At
11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns on the Western Front in Europe fell silent
after more than four years of continuous World War 1 warfare. In November the Germans called for
an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace
settlement. They accepted Allied terms that amounted to unconditional
surrender.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special
significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased
on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance
of those who had died in the war. On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919 two minutes' silence
was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new
Cenotaph in London.
After the end of the Second World War, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Australians observe one minute's silence at 11 am on 11 November each
year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in
all wars and armed conflicts.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae, May 1915
You can learn more about Remembrance Day and the significance of the poppy here -
Thank you for stopping by today. Remembrance Day is commemorated in Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Belgium, France,
and the Cayman Islands. However, We have all be affected in one way or another by war, either directly, or through family members or friends.
Do you observe Remembrance Day or similar in your country? Who will you be remembering this Remembrance Day?
