Each year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we honour those who fought for our freedom by holding a two-minute silence.
But what is the significance of this act of remembering and the story behind it?
What is Remembrance Day?
Held each year on 11th November, Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day) commemorates the Allies and Germany signing the armistice at 11am on 11th November 1918.
In Britain we remember those who lost their lives in both the First and Second World Wars, as well as the 12,000 British service men and women who have died or been injured in conflicts since 1945.
In addition to Remembrance Day is Remembrance Sunday which falls on the second Sunday in November. On this day, ceremonies take place at war memorials, cenotaphs and churches throughout the country and abroad.
What was Remembrance Day first called?
When it was first introduced in 1919, the occasion was known as Armistice Day, marking the agreement that ended fighting on the Western Front during the First World War.
Following the Second World War, national acts of remembrance expanded to honour those who had served in both conflicts. Over time, Remembrance Sunday became the principal day of national commemoration in the UK, while 11th November continues to be observed as Remembrance Day.
What was the importance of the armistice?
While some conflicts continued, the signing of the armistice effectively signalled the end of four years of bloody fighting in the First World War.
Signed at 5am on 11th November 1918, in the French Marshal Ferdinand Foch’s railway carriage located north of Paris, the peace treaty took effect six hours later.
Within a fortnight the Germans were required by the treaty to evacuate invaded territories. In addition, they were obligated to surrender artillery, including 5000 guns, 25,000 machine guns and 1,700 planes.
Six months later, The Treaty of Versailles was signed and acted as a lasting resolution.
Why is there a two-minute silence and not one?
The tradition of observing two minutes of silence dates back to 1919, when King George V asked the nation to pause at 11am on 11th November.
The silence was intended to allow everyone time for quiet reflection and remembrance. While there is no official rule explaining why two minutes was chosen instead of one, the longer period was considered to give people enough time to remember those who had died, reflect on the impact of war and pay their respects without feeling rushed.
Today, the two-minute silence remains one of the most recognisable acts of remembrance in the UK.
Why do we wear poppies?
The resilient red poppy was the first flower to appear from the Northern France and Flanders battlefields after the First World War.
After losing a friend in Ypres, Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was moved by poppies growing in battlefields to write the famous In Flanders Fields poem. Inspired by his poem, American Moina Michael started making and selling silk poppies to raise funds for ex-service personnel.
The bright red poppy came over to the UK and was adopted by the Royal British Legion as a symbol of remembrance and hope when it was formed in 1921. Ever since, each year Royal British Legion volunteers have distributed the iconic paper poppies and in return collected donations to help support the Armed Forces community.
Is Remembrance Day only for those who died?
One of the most common questions surrounding the remembrance day meaning is who it honours.
While Remembrance Day began as a way to commemorate those who lost their lives during the First World War, today it also recognises all members of the Armed Forces who have served and sacrificed. This includes those who were injured, those who continue to serve, veterans and the families who have supported them.
When people ask who do we remember on Remembrance Day, the answer is that we remember everyone who has given service in defence of their country, particularly those who lost their lives or suffered as a result of conflict.
Is Remembrance Day just a British tradition?
Although Remembrance Day is widely observed across the United Kingdom, it is also commemorated in many other countries around the world.
Nations including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and Belgium all mark 11th November with ceremonies, moments of silence and acts of remembrance. Many countries that were part of the Commonwealth continue to observe Remembrance Day, while others hold their own national days to honour military service and sacrifice.
Do Germans remember their war dead?
Yes. Germany commemorates those affected by war on Volkstrauertag, or the National Day of Mourning.
Rather than celebrating military service, the day focuses on remembering all victims of war and violence, including civilians and soldiers of every nationality. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of conflict and the importance of peace.
What are the common symbols of Remembrance?
Aside from the poppy, other symbols of remembrance include:
- The Cenotaph in London, where the National Service of Remembrance is held each year.
- War memorials in towns and villages across the UK.
- Wreaths of red poppies laid during remembrance services.
- The two-minute silence observed at 11am on 11th November.
- The phrase “Lest We Forget,” taken from Rudyard Kipling’s poem Recessional, which serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of remembering those affected by war.
Five facts about Remembrance Day
Here are five fascinating facts about Remembrance Day:
- Remembrance Day takes place every year on 11th November, marking the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.
- The first national two-minute silence was observed in 1919, following a request from King George V.
- The red poppy became the official symbol of remembrance after the First World War because it was one of the first flowers to bloom across former battlefields.
- The Royal British Legion has organised the annual Poppy Appeal since 1921, raising funds to support serving and former members of the Armed Forces community.
- Remembrance is observed around the world, with many countries holding ceremonies to honour those who served and sacrificed during times of conflict.
Find out about how you can truly honour those who sacrificed their lives by ensuring their memory lives on with a History Tour.
Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/what-is-armistice-day-why-do-we-wear-poppies-and-when-is-remembr/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15492752
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/poppy-appeal-2016/what-is-the-poppy-appeal/