On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the guns ceased. Today, the British Commonwealth countries remember those who came before, and those who came after, and all who have given in their nation’s service. Americans know this day as Veteran’s Day, and a number of European countries know it as Armistice Day.
On this day, DID offers background and worthy official sites related to Remembrance Day and Veteran’s Day. Readers may be interested in seeing the slight differences as well as the similarities – gaining new perspectives which may come in handy in project, liaison, or foreign posting situations.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is generally celebrated throughout the countries that were part of the British Commonwealth during World War I. One notable wrinkle is that many Commonwealth countries include The Boer War, aka. The South African War, in their monuments and remembrances.
* Here’s an excellent audio rendition of The Last Post (QuickTime), traditionally played at the close of Remembrance Day ceremonies.
* The traditional poem that signifies this day is In Flanders Fields, first published in England’s “Punch” magazine in December, 1915. Flanders sits in Belgium, and there is a museum there with an interactive site.
* The symbol of the poppy on this day is nearly universal, reflecting the poppies that grew over the mass grave that Flanders Fields became. While John McRae got the tradition started, the wearing of the poppy to keep faith was a multinational effort that included an American named Moira Michael, the French secretary Madame Guerin, and the British Legion. Today, it is present as a symbol in America but not emphasized nearly as prominently as it is in the Commonwealth countries.
* The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal
Veteran’s Day
Note that America has both Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The distinction is sometimes confusing for outsiders, but it’s simple. Memorial Day is specifically focused on those who gave their lives in the service of their country; Veterans Day honors all who serve or have served in America’s armed forces.
* Americans play Taps at the end of remembrance ceremonies and military funerals. Read an article at West Point Connection if you want to understand what’s behind these 24 notes.
* US Department of Defense: Veterans Day 2016.
* The US Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects and preserves stories of wartime service.
* US Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Day pages.
