Armistice Day
Armistice Day is commemorated every year on November 11th to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. This took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, which is why the date is significant.
History and Context
- Origin: The armistice agreement was signed in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, signaling the end of the Great War.
- First Celebrations: In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory."
- Legislation: On May 13, 1938, the United States Congress made the day an annual legal holiday known as Armistice Day, dedicated to world peace.
- Change to Veterans Day: In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans". With this change, the holiday evolved from commemorating the end of one war to honoring all American veterans.
Commemorative Practices
- Two Minutes of Silence: At 11 AM on November 11, many countries observe two minutes of silence to honor those who died in wars.
- Poppies: Wearing red poppies is a symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae.
- Parades and Ceremonies: Various countries hold parades, memorial services, and wreath-laying ceremonies to honor the sacrifices made by their service members.
International Observance
While the United States renamed the day to Veterans Day, other countries continue to observe it as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day:
References
Related Topics