11/11/2024
Remembrance Day, observed on November 11th each year, is a day to honor and remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. It is observed in many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and in other nations around the world. The date marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally concluded with the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. — the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Key Traditions of Remembrance Day:
- Two-Minute Silence: At 11 a.m. on November 11th, a two-minute silence is observed to honor the fallen. This moment allows people to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.
- Poppies: The red poppy is a widely recognized symbol of Remembrance Day, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, which references poppies growing on the graves of soldiers in Belgium.
- Ceremonies and Parades: Many countries hold ceremonies at war memorials, cenotaphs, and military cemeteries, where wreaths are laid, and speeches are given. In Canada, the National Remembrance Day Ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
- “Lest We Forget”: This phrase is often associated with Remembrance Day, serving as a reminder of the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed.
Remembrance Day is a solemn day that encourages reflection on the costs of war and the value of peace, as well as gratitude for the freedoms defended by those who served.