Remembrance Day: The Origin and Celebrations around the world

Mixi November 03, 2020 | 14:19

Remembrance Day is considered one of the important events in many countries which was commemorated every year. If you have no clue about this day, let's follow us to explore its origin and celebrations.

Remembrance Day. Photo: Halifaxtoday

What is Remembrance Day?

Armistice Day is on 11 November and is also known as Remembrance Day.

It marks the day World War One ended, at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. A two-minute silence is held at 11 am to remember the people who have died in wars. There is also Remembrance Sunday every year, which falls on the second Sunday in November, according to bbc.co.uk

On this day, there are usually ceremonies at war memorials, cenotaphs and churches throughout the country, as well as abroad. The Royal Family and top politicians gather at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, for a memorial service. The anniversary is used to remember all the people who have died in wars - not just World War One. This includes World War Two, the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Remembrance Day around the world

Despite the common history, Remembrance Day has evolved in different ways around the world. Depending on where you are in the world, it can be known as Armistice Day, Veterans' Day, Remembrance Day, Poppy Day and may not even be celebrated on November 11th.

Bermuda

A public holiday in Bermuda, Remembrance Day is marked with a parade where surviving war veterans and the descendants of deceased veterans march wearing full military uniform and medals. The march begins at 11 AM and ends at the Cenotaph in front of Cabinet House. It is here that they lay wreaths and a two-minute silence is held to remember those who fought in the first world war and other conflicts since then.

544 Bermudians served in the first world war, mainly in the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps. In total, 53 Bermudians were killed in action, 15 were wounded, 14 were taken prisoner of war, four went missing in action and 19 died of disease or wounds.

Remembrance Day in Canada

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a public holiday and federal statutory holiday, as well as a statutory holiday in all three territories and in six of the ten provinces.

From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11th fell and Thanksgiving was held on the same day. In 1931 an act was adopted that said the day should be called Remembrance Day and be observed on November 11th.

Remembrance Day in United States

In the United States, the day was renamed to Veteran's day in 1954, after a campaign by a member of the public to extend the commemorations to include those who served in World War II and other conflicts. America commemorates its war dead on Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

Remembrance Day in United Kingdom

In the UK, the official commemoration was moved to the Sunday closest to November in 11th 1939, to avoid any disruption to production in factories supporting the war effort. This Sunday observance has remained since, though November 11th may also be marked with a moment of silence at 11 am.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, the events and losses at Gallipoli have taken deeper hold on the psyche, and the ANZAC day celebrations are the main occasion for people to remember the fallen of conflicts.

Remembrance Day in Belgium and France

The day is marked by an official holiday in both France and Belgium. While the end of the war may be seen as a time for happiness and celebration; the unprecedented loss of life in the war means that the day is a somber day of reflection. In France, the day is marked by parades across the country, such as the grand parade at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. See Armistice Day for more details.

What we're remembering this year

In 2020 we pay tribute to the men and women of the Second World War generation, and to those of today’s, who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation. We remember the collaboration of the Commonwealth and Allied nations who stood shoulder to shoulder then to secure our freedom and the communities coming together today to protect us all, Bristishlegion cites.

The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

22 Fantastic Facts about D-Day - The Decisive Day

It is the fact that the Nazi Germany seemed unstoppable during the Second World War. However, the risky action changed the the situation. Since this ...

Happy Teachers Day: Inspiring wishes and quotes

Happy Teachers Day: This section offers you a wide range of Happy Teacher's Day messages, cards as well as appreciation words for teacher, which will ...