The remembrance ceremony came into being in 1948 to commemorate the founding of the War Veterans Organisation of Thailand.

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Similar to Veterans’ Day celebrations in several countries, red poppy is a symbol of the occasion, a flower which stands for peace, reminding audiences that there are soldiers fighting for freedom. But red also symbolises bloodshed on the battlefield.

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Red poppies have been sold on the special day each year to generate money for supporting veterans and their families. Unfortunately, the virus crisis in Thailand has forced the commemoration to be suspended this year.

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Annual Veterans’ Day ceremony hit by Covid-19 crisis

Covid-19 has prevented officials from holding a remembrance ceremony at Victory Monument on the occasion of Veterans’ Day, or February 3 each year.