At 11am on the 11th day of
the 11th month, many around the world stop to
commemorate those that fought in wars.
Originally known as Armistice
Day, it has its origins with the signing of the armistice at
Compiègne, France at 11am on the 11th November, 1918, which ended the First World War. 11th
November is a national holiday in France and Belgium, and many
countries stop to remember at 11am. In USA 11th November is known as Veterans Day.
In November 1918, the German Army
called for a cessation of fighting in order to come to a peaceful
settlement, and an unconditional surrender. On the morning of November 11 a meeting was held with all parties and an agreement was signed at 11am.
Armistice Day was first commemorated in
1919, and a 2 minutes silence to remember those who died during the
war was introduced. Interestingly, the 2 minute silence was proposed
by an Australian journalist Edward Honey, who was working in London.
A similar proposal was made about the same time by a South African
politician. This led to King George V request a two minute silence at
this first commemoration, and this sign of respect has continued each
commemoration.
The First World War began in 1914 and
lasted until November 1918. It left between 9 and 13 million dead.
Over 416,000 Australians served in WW1, and more than 60,000
Australians were killed.
Armistice Day was changed to
Remembrance Day after WW2, to commemorate all those killed in both
world wars. In 1997, the Australian Governor-General proclaimed that
we remember the total loss from all battles with one minute silence,
although two minutes silence is still observed in many places.
Today we remember those who died in all
conflicts, with one minute silence at 11am, as a sign of respect.
Symbol: red poppies
Symbol: red poppies
LEST WE FORGET
