Remembrance Day

Date

November 11

History

Remembrance Day is also known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day. It is a memorial day to remember the members of the country's armed forces who have died on duty since World War I. It is observed on November 11 to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918. That day, the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

Traditional observance

In the United Kingdom, two minutes of silence are observed on 11 November itself to commemorate the events. However, the main observance is on the second Sunday of November, Remembrance Sunday. Ceremonies are held at local war memorials, usually organised by local branches of the Royal British Legion – an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown and the armed forces. The start and end of the silence is often marked by the firing of a cannon. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services. Many employers and businesses invite their staff and customers to observe the two minutes silence at 11:00 a.m. The main national commemoration is held at Whitehall, in Central London.
 

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