Armistice Day

Armistice Day History

Armistice Day in France, also known as "Le jour du souvenir," is a day commemorating the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany in 1918, which ended World War I. The day honors the courage and sacrifices of French soldiers and civilians alike and pays tribute to their dedication towards national unity. One of the most important aspects of France's Armistice Day is the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is attended by the French President, veterans, and high-ranking military officials.

In the United Kingdom, Armistice Day holds similar significance as it marks the end of World War I and honours the service of British and Commonwealth armed forces members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The shared history of sacrifices made by both the French and British armies solidifies the close link between the observance of France's Armistice Day and the UK. The First World War significantly impacted the shaping of modern Europe, with the consequent signing of the Treaty of Versailles, establishing the League of Nations – an important precursor to the present-day United Nations.

In the United Kingdom, French Armistice Day is not observed as a separate event, but the shared significance of the day is marked on the same day, that is, 11th November, which is known as Remembrance Day or sometimes referred to as Poppy Day. The British Royal Family and political leaders pay their tributes by laying wreaths at the Cenotaph in London during a solemn ceremony. Additionally, a two-minute silence is observed nationwide at 11 a.m., reflecting the time when the armistice came into effect in 1918.

Top facts about Armistice Day

• 20 million people were killed during World War I. Approximately 9 million were combatants and 7 million were civilians, making it one of the most deadly conflicts in history.
• World War I used to be commonly referred to as The Great War. In fact, it was not referred to as World War I until after the Second World War occurred.
• The Cenotaph, which means empty tomb, was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was originally a temporary structure built for the first Armistice Day parade in 1919.
• The British government, led by Winston Churchill, opposed the armistice and encouraged the formation of the Free French Forces.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Armistice Day

Armistice Day Top Things to Do

• Wear a poppy pin over your heart. The poppy commemorates those who died in WWI. The poppy was the only colour and sign of life present on the smashed wasteland-like battlefields.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #ArmisticeDay, #LestWeForget, #RememberWWI and #RemembertheFallen.
• It is a tradition in the UK to wear a poppy on the lead up to Remembrance Day.
• Everywhere in the UK, people observe a two minute silence at 11am on November 11th in remembrance of those who lost their lives in war.