November 11 is celebrated as a day of remembrance in many places around the world. In some countries, it is known as Armistice Day; in others, it is referred to as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day; and in the United States, it is called Veterans Day.
This day is the anniversary of the peace treaty or armistice that was signed by the Allied forces and the Germans at the end of World War I. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an order was given for all shooting to stop. Soldiers laid down their weapons and people all over the world rejoiced. After four long years of bitter fighting, “the war to end all wars” was finally over. In many countries, people went out into the streets, closed their businesses, sang songs, blew whistles and horns, and celebrated.
Shortly after this, many former allied nations set aside November 11 as a day to remember the sacrifices that men and women had made during World War I in order to ensure a lasting peace. Armistice Day was created in the United Kingdom by King George V on November 7, 1919. In 1921, an unknown First World War soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States. Similar ceremonies occurred in England and France where unknown soldiers were buried in each nation’s highest place of honor, Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe. These memorial services, which all took place on November 11, gave universal recognition to Armistice Day.
After World War II, the name of this day was changed to Veterans Day in the United States and to Remembrance Day in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Armistice Day remains an official holiday in both Belgium and France.
On November 11 in many parts of the world today, veterans march in parades, and politicians and others give speeches of thanks for the peace that was won. People gather together in assemblies to honor all the men and women who have served and continue to serve their countries. Wreaths and flowers are placed on graves and war monuments. In many services, a sad song called “Last Post” is played by a bugler or trumpeter. Then a moment of silence takes place at 11:00 am to remember all those who died in World War I, World War II, and other wars.
In many countries, the poppy has become a recognized symbol of November 11. The poppy is a bright red wildflower that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of World War I, and the poppy’s red color came to represent the bloodshed of trench warfare. Veterans groups in many different countries sell artificial poppies to help raise money for veteran support groups.
The expression “Lest We Forget” has also become connected with November 11. After the First World War, people promised never to forget the horror of war, and so, still today, November 11 remains a day of historic significance across the globe. It is a day where people gather together and turn their thoughts toward the importance of peace and the avoidance of future wars.