On November 11th, 2012, people around the world will stop to remember those who proudly stood fourth and went to war to make this world a better place for all of us.
In the US Armistice Day officially received its name in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the War to end all wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
During the 20th century, Canada’s military forces, merchant navy, police forces and other
paramilitary and civilian-based organizations have participated in one or all of five wars, and a
multitude of peacekeeping or peace restoration missions with the United Nations or other allied
formations. More than 1.7 million Canadians volunteered to fight in the major wars and thousands
more have served their nation in the pursuit of world peace. More than 114,000 Canadians have
given their lives in the cause of freedom and the pursuit of peace.
As time passes, it is less likely you have a parent or grandparent who served in one of the major wars. It is still important to look back and see what our ancestors did for each of us.
Remembrance Day in Canada
Veterans Day in the US
Remembrance Day Australia
Royal British Legion
In Flanders Fields today you see,
Poppies growing beneath the trees,
The trees have grown up big and strong,
They represent that time has gone,
The trees you see began to grow,
After our soldiers were placed in rows,
As these trees grow older and older,
We must remember the lives of our soldiers,
For with their lives they gave us their gift,
Our spirits flow freely and gently they lift,
From place to place we can move without sorrow,
For us they have given us a brighter tomorrow.
By Marian Foskett & Dylan Allan
On the 11th month, the 11th day, at the 11th hour take a moment to stop for two minutes and remember those who served.