Today is Veterans Day in the USA. It signifies the day we remember those who served, whether dead or alive, whether served in country or at home. Although there are subtle differences between the USA and other countries, the date is important because it signifies the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. That's why some Americans call Veterans Day by its other name, one celebrated by many the world over: Armistice Day. The first official Armistice Day in the U.S. was on November 11, 1919 as declared by President Woodrow Wilson.
In Great Britain and the Commonwealth, as well as Canada, the day is called Remembrance Day, and also referred to as Poppy Day. In Great Britain, Remembrance Day is for honoring the dead. In Canada, it's for honoring the living. In both New Zealand and Australia, there are ceremonies, but it is not an official holiday.
The first Armistice Day celebrated in Great Britain was by King George V in 1919, but after World War II, the day was changed to Remembrance Day, which then turned into Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday nearest Nov. 11. In recent years Armistice Day has become increasingly celebrated, and many people now attend the 11:00 a.m. ceremony at the Cenotaph in London. I remember seeing photos of Queen Elizabeth attending one such event there.
According to Wikipedia:
"Armistice Day" remains the name of the holiday in France and Belgium, and it has been a statutory holiday in Serbia since 2012. In Italy the end of World War I is commemorated on 4 November, the day of the Armistice of Villa Giusti.I've written many different Veterans Day posts in the past, this one from 2015, this one from 2014, this from 2013, and these from 2011 and 2010 which are
Thank you for your visit today. This is Day 11 of AEDM and a day of patriotism. It is also for honoring our soldiers dead and alive the world over.
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12 thoughtful remarks:
It's always good to remember what happened, and those who gave their lives for our freedom, which others would like to see taken away again ....Hugs, Valerie
A terrific post Elizabeth that explains the different names for the special day.
Love Chrissie xx
A good post Elizabeth explaining how the day differs around the world.
We should always remember and be thankful for those who fought and still do for the freedom of others.
Yvonne xx
Good to learn about the day! We haven't it here in Austria and it's a shame I think - the Germans haven't one as well...
Happy weekend dear Elizabeth!
oxo
Susi
World War I was such a tragedy. Family members fighting one another, such a horrible loss of life. I suppose all wars are, but this was the war to end all wars. Its impact on women was profound, both in terms of the rise of the spinster because so many men were killed and in terms of saying "we can do the work." I'm glad you mentioned this one in particular, for all wars, all veterans, deserve the recognition but so often we forget the origins of the day.
Well said Elizabeth.
At 11am today TV's and radio stations played "The last post" and a lot of people wore a poppy on their lapel.
At work we took our phones off the hook and also stopped for a minute while the song played, as did the patients that were waiting for their consultation.
It's good that it is commemorated and hopefully reminds people not to fight!
Have a great weekend Elizabeth.
a beautiful eagle. :)
Fascinating post. I knew it was called Armistice day but I didn't know about the Remembrance Day part. I am sure after WWI this was a huge day. But of course, over time and then with the years spent with WWII, I think that became more embedded into people's memories. Then Vietnam, Korea and the Gulf conflicts. I think for us, Veterans Day is a great name, and glad we still celebrate it on the 11th. Hope you enjoy your day Elizabeth. Hugs-Erika
I think Veterans day is a much better name for this day of remembrance.A.ll over the UK today town centres and shops stopped for a moments silence although of course you are right - Remembrance Sunday is the day when there are parades and wreath laying and the Queen and other dignitaries lay their wreaths at the Cenotaph in London. My GD is a girl scout and is in a parade on Sunday - she is hoping for rain so that she can wear her coat - otherwise it's lots of layers under her uniform! Hugs, Chrisx
I think Veterans day is a much better name for this day of remembrance.A.ll over the UK today town centres and shops stopped for a moments silence although of course you are right - Remembrance Sunday is the day when there are parades and wreath laying and the Queen and other dignitaries lay their wreaths at the Cenotaph in London. My GD is a girl scout and is in a parade on Sunday - she is hoping for rain so that she can wear her coat - otherwise it's lots of layers under her uniform! Hugs, Chrisx
Excellent post -- many thanks for all the information.
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