At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
Every year, on 11 November at the eleventh hour the Commonwealth countries (53 states*) pause to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. This memorial day is known as Remembrance Day, as Poppy Day or Armistice Day and is marked since the end of World War I to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am) World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.
The First World War or Great War marked the beginning of the use of modern technology in warfare and led to millions of deaths. It was felt that the dead should be honoured and King George V initiated a 2 minute silence at exactly 11 o'clock to commemorate those who had died for their country.Celebrations
Remembrance Day takes place on the second Sunday of November or the Sunday nearest the 11th November and on the same day.Remembrance Day is marked with a number of services and parades. The Queen, government representatives and soldiers march to the Cenotaph (empty tomb in Greek) in London and lay wreaths. A two minute silence is held to remember all those who have died for their country in the First World War and all wars since. The "Last post" is played on a bugle to introduce the two minute silence at 11 o'clock and "Rouse" is played at the end. Other commemoration services are held in churches and at war memorials throughout Britain.
The Poppies
Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy day. Poppy seeds which had lain dormant for many years in the battlefields in northern France bloomed with vigour after the earth was disturbed, becoming a symbol of new life and loss. A Canadian doctor called John McCrae posted to the front wrote a poem entitled "In Flanders fields" which served as the inspiration for people to wear artificial poppies as a sign of remembrance. These are now sold on behalf of The British Legion, a charity dedicated to supporting those serving in the armed forces and former soldiers. White poppies are also sold and worn as a sign of respect and as a symbol of peace.
