Remembrance is asked for but it is not demanded
A Field of Remembrance in honour of members of the armed forces who died in service opened at Belfast City Hall on Monday.
And the Royal British Legion has invited members of the public across Northern Ireland to visit in the weeks leading up to Armistice Day.
Many people will take up that invitation and many more will take part in the Remembrance Day services across the Province on Sunday November 8.
Those who do will have their own reasons for doing so – and those who don’t may also have their reasons.
Remembrance, as everyone in Northern Ireland knows, can be a divisive topic.
Bethany Ferris, RBL public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, said the Remembrance Field in Belfast would allow people to take a moment to pause and pay tribute to the fallen.
“Remembrance is part of our nation’s culture and means so much to so many people,” she said.
“The Belfast Field of Remembrance allows people to take a moment to pause and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Tributes are available at poppy stalls across Northern Ireland, and we’d welcome anyone who wishes to lay a tribute of any faith to visit and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave so much for our country.”
The Belfast Field of Remembrance will be open daily until November 12.