Today's date is 11.11.11.
Armistice Day
which marks the anniversary of the ending of hostilities of World War I, at 11.00 am in 1918.
It is a French public holiday and schools, banks, post offices and businesses are closed.
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| Poppies flowering this week in my Normandy garden |
To mark the occasion, in our small village, flowers will be laid at the base of the Calvaire which stands at the crossroads opposite the Marie's office.
A two minute silence will be observed at 11.00 a.m.
This fitting tribute below can be found in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux.
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| Click here to see a recent post about the Cathedral |
Local dignitaries, ex service men and women from all of the services, members of the Royal British Legion and Boy Scout and Girl Guide troops, will lay poppy wreaths of remembrance at their local War Memorial.
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is a unique expression of national homage devoted to the remembrance of those who have given their lives in war. It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation's dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn them.
The service at the Cenotaph is framed to ensure that no-one is forgotten. The wreath laid by The Queen and the other tributes placed on the Cenotaph are dedicated to all who have suffered or died in war. Members of the Cabinet, Opposition Party leaders, former Prime Ministers and certain other Ministers and the Mayor of London are invited to attend the ceremony, along with representatives of the Armed Forces, Merchant Air and Navy and Fishing Fleets, and members of faith communities. High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries also attend the ceremony and lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.
Source: The Royal British Legion
In June of this year I was lucky enough to spend an evening in the company of two World War II veterans, at an event to mark the 67th Anniversary of the D Day landings.
Click here if you would like to see that post again.
Their Calendar of Special Events and Celebrations is extensive with categories covering Daily Life, Customs and Traditions and Etiquette in the UK, to name but a few.
It is a wonderful source for everyone, not only children, and describes what Remembrance Sunday means to us all.
Wear your Poppy with pride!
(poppy images courtesy of telegraph.co.uk)
That is a wonderful remembrance Maggie. We don't have remembrances of the first world war but we do have 5th of May in 1945 to remember for the second world war. The war was over then.This yeAR I believe was the last veteran day of the second world war soldiers. There are not many left after all that time.The Dutch are not good in remembrances, you English are much better in that.
ReplyDeleteLove your photo's.
Have a nice weekend.
Riet
Every small town in Canada will have a service today - at cenotaphs, in arenas, churches and schools. When I was a girl the old veterans were from the 1914 war and the young ones were the fathers of all my friends. Now the Second World War Vets are nearly all gone and the wounded are from the Afghanistan and Balkan conflicts. All that youth, all that bravery. There doesn't seem to be an end to the call to service in war - will we ever learn?
ReplyDeleteThe poppy photo with the old stones really speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I will definitely wear my poppy with pride. My father is a veteran of WW11. He served on Navy ship in the Phillipines.
ReplyDeleteYour country does it's veterans proud with it's many tributes. You have reason to be proud.
God Bless all of our Veterans and those still serving.
I'm wearing my poppy, today. Not many people here in the US wear the poppy anymore. Not much history is taught in public schools, so people don't understand the significance any more. a Pity, really.
ReplyDeleteThe poppy jewelry pin is so beautiful. I wish I could find one like it.
When we lived in England, I was so impressed by the moment of silence. I was in Sainsbury and the whole place went silent. Lovely tribute.
We're remembering in Canada, with services, poppies and laying of wreaths.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! This day must take on an entirely different and amazing meaning in Normandy!!
ReplyDeletem ^..^
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and on Veterans Day here in the USA
ReplyDeleteJanice
Hi Maggie
ReplyDeleteI am remembering today on my blog as well. It must be amazingly moving to be in the area where it all took place.
My visit to the Somme in 2007 was the most moving of my life.
Carolyn xx
It is Veterans' Day in America and a holiday where we remember all our vetereans who have served our country in wars. I like your memorial. I also like your new header. xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to remember the sacrifices that were made by ordinary men. In Canada the school children have been involved in many projects that link them to the fallen. I pray that one day the world will live in peace.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Great to remember and honor those who served so well and selflessly.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Wonderful tribute and remembrance, Maggie. I had hoped to do a post for Vetrans' Day, but didn't get it done. Thanks for putting this one together. It's lovely!
ReplyDelete