independent.co.uk
Armistice Day: History and Significance
A detailed account of Armistice Day (Remembrance Day/Veterans Day), its origins, traditions (two-minute silence, poppy), and significance in commemorating the end of WWI and honoring war dead.
English
United Kingdom
UkWarHistoryRemembranceTraditionSymbolism
Allied ForcesImperial War Graves CommissionAmerican LegionRoyal British LegionLondon Evening News
Ferdinand FochGeorge Edwin EllisonKing George VHarry HandsEdward George HoneyRudyard KiplingJohn MccraeWoodrow Wilson
- What is Armistice Day and what does it commemorate?
- Armistice Day, observed annually on November 11th, commemorates the end of World War I and remembers the soldiers who died in that conflict and subsequent wars.
- What is the symbolism of the poppy, and what are some common misconceptions?
- The poppy, adopted as a symbol of remembrance, was initially white silk before transitioning to red, representing resilience, renewal, and hope rather than bloodshed or endorsement of war.
- When did the United States and France begin observing Armistice Day/Veterans Day?
- In the United States, Armistice Day, later renamed Veterans Day, was first celebrated in 1919 and officially recognized by Congress in 1926; France began observing the day in 1920.
- Who is credited with the idea of a two-minute silence to commemorate the war dead?
- The two-minute silence observed at 11 am on November 11th was initially suggested by Harry Hands, mayor of Cape Town, and Edward George Honey, to provide a somber memorial for the war dead.
- When and where was the armistice agreement signed, and what time did it take effect?
- The armistice agreement, signed at 5:45 am on November 11, 1918, in a railway carriage in Compiegne, France, officially ended hostilities between the Allies and Germany, although fighting continued for a few more hours.