The nation stands still. It is a moment to reflect on the people we have met, the stories they have told, and the words we all share:
“We will remember them.”
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In this article, we shine a light on the importance of Remembrance Day, the background and stories associated with it, and what it means to Motorfinity.
Where Remembrance began
In 1919, on the first anniversary of the end of the First World War, King George V asked for “a complete suspension of all our normal activities” so that everyone could stand still in quiet thought.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when hostilities had ceased, a two-minute silence was kept across the nation. Armistice Day was born.
But the ‘war to end all wars’ was not the last.
The Shaft of Light Memorial, where light shines through at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
After the Second World War, Remembrance Sunday was established, observed at 11.00am on the second Sunday of November. This year, it falls on 8th November, with Armistice Day on Wednesday 11th November.
Today, Remembrance honours all those lost or affected by both World Wars and every conflict since - the fallen, the bereaved, the injured, our veterans and our service families.
Stonemasons still etch the names of those lost onto memorial walls,
The list goes on.
Why we pause at Motorfinity
“Remembrance has always meant a great deal to us at Motorfinity. When we started the business in November 2016, our very first customers were members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and ten years on they remain at the heart of everything we do. Armistice Day 2026 falls just a week after our tenth birthday, and it gives us a moment to pause and say 'thank you' to those who have served, those who serve today, and the families who stand behind them.”
Daniel Briggs, CEO and Co-founder, Motorfinity
We were proud to receive our Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme at RAF Digby. For us it’s a commitment to earning trust, not a badge, and we are setting our sights on Gold. Our support for the Armed Forces goes well beyond discounts, and it continues every day of the year.
‘Remember Me’ - a poem for today
When we commissioned local poet Sue McFarlane to write a poem of Remembrance, we worked with the Newark Patriotic Fund. Members of our local veteran community performed the verses in memory of school friends, family and loved ones.
Its message, ‘It was then and is now’, is as relevant as ever.
Please watch and share it far and wide.
Watch ‘Remember Me’ on YouTubeStories recognised too late
Some of the campaigns we have featured went unrecognised for years, and for many people acknowledgement came too late.
We are proud to have helped record their stories.
On Freedom’s Wings: an iconic landmark of a Lancaster Bomber in Lincolnshire (photos credited to Claire Hartley)
On Freedom’s Wings: Bomber Command. In Bomber Command, 55,573 men lost their lives, 8,403 were injured and 9,800 became prisoners of war. Their recognition was a long time coming. But they are not just statistics: behind every name is a short life and a family grieving. George Harrison spent just four days with his new bride before reporting to 50 Squadron. He died a month later when his Lancaster crashed near Thurlby Woods. Harry Male, a musician and songwriter, died when his Lancaster crashed in the same place on the way home from their mission. Just two of the many.
“So many young men took off and didn’t return… I stand looking at the sculpture and wonder what the airmen of World War 2 would think if they saw it. I would hope they would feel pride and think, ‘We are remembered.’”
Di Ablewhite, IBCC Researcher, who has spent 27 years searching for the missing
Men and Ice: The Arctic Convoys. Billed as the most dangerous campaign of the war, it was not until 2013 that Royal Navy and Merchant Navy sailors received Arctic Convoy medals. For many survivors of those brutal conditions, it was too late.
Read their storyChristmas Island. Those who served there in the 1950s and ’60s helped to preserve our peace for the last 70 years - at a cost. John Bateson and his brother-in-law thought they had arrived in paradise. Over 70 years later, they have at last been recognised.
Read John's storyEveryone has a story.
From top left to bottom right: George Harrison’s wedding photo, Harry Male, Able Seaman George Crowder, John Bateson (photo credited to Paul Saxby)
Support is there - reach out
Winning image ‘In Conversation’, capturing the essence of the Newark Patriotic Fund
Remembrance is also about the living.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, President of Care After Combat, urges people to understand what help is available and to keep in touch with the wider Armed Forces family:
“…for anybody out there finding it difficult and things are not going as planned, then reach out. The family is there; the charities are there to help.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, President, Care After Combat
Care After Combat: careaftercombat.org | Help for Heroes: helpforheroes.org.uk | SSAFA: ssafa.org.uk are just 3 of the Armed Forces charities always ready to help.
Closer to home, the Newark Patriotic Fund offers hope and a confidential, caring environment. Its coffee mornings and events let veterans meet veterans, relax and talk openly.
“If we can help in any way to give hope and light at the end of the tunnel, we will give it to you.”
Mac Mallard, Secretary and Welfare Officer, Newark Patriotic Fund
How you can take part
You can support the Poppy Campaign 2026 by wearing a poppy, donating, volunteering your time, or joining a Remembrance event with the two-minute silence. The campaign is run by the Royal British Legion, which supports those who serve, veterans and their families for life:
“When they serve, their families serve too. Your support matters.”
We will remember them
Motorfinity is proud to support serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and to raise awareness of the charities and projects that keep their stories alive. On Armistice Day 2026 and Remembrance Sunday 2026, we take a moment to reflect on their service and to show their families that their courage and resilience were not in vain.
“It is an honour to support projects that ensure that the sacrifice made by so many will never be forgotten.”
Team Motorfinity
Lest we forget.
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