While the commemorative services all took place last Sunday, as it was the nearest Sunday to the 11th, today is actually Armistice Day.The cessation of hostilities by the Allies and Germany involved in the First World War Western Front took place 91 years ago today signed in a railway carriage in Compiègne Forest. The Armistice was agreed at 5 AM on 11 November, to come into effect at 11 AM Paris time (that is 10 AM GMT), for which reason the occasion is sometimes referred to as "the eleventh (hour) of the eleventh (day) of the eleventh (month)".
The act of remembrance was actually suggested by George Honey in a letter to a British Newspaper, thank you George, and since about 20 years ago there has been a 2 minute silence kept on both Remembrance Sunday and also the 11th November and grows particularly with the current situation in Afghanistan as a way of remembering both those who serve and those who are currently serving.
So today at 11am I will stand quietly and remember those who were involved in the Great War, the Second World War, Suez, Korea, Malaya, The Falklands, Northern Ireland and now Afghanistan and hope that by the 100th anniversary of this sad day that peace will get an opportunity to change the future.
4 comments:
Another well written contribution Sage. I'd forgotten it was 100 years ago. Thanks for reminding me.
@kippers dickie, actually 91 years ago.. it was signed in 1918 and in 9 years time it will be the 100th anniversary.. will things have changed by then in terms of war etc.. probably not.
Silly me.
This is what happens when I try writing comments at 8 o'clock in the morning!
Ah, thanks so much for your kind comments re my Pretty's loss. It really does bring some comfort. Thanks...Pam
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