At 5 a.m. on a foggy morning, 9 men housed in a secret location signed a formal agreement for all parties involved in World War 1 to cease fighting.
The negotiators met in secret in a rail car in Northern France. When they emerged an Armistice (ceasefire agreement) had been signed calling for the end of WW1 fighting at 11 a.m. that morning.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Armistice Day was born. The day was originally observed to remember those who died in the first World war and has evolved into what it is today; Remembrance (Veteran's) Day.
A day to recognize, show our support of and reflect on those who serve their countries. A moment out of your life to make a point of sitting quietly for a minute and remembering.
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Remember lives lost and the families of these military men and women
It is not a celebration or honouring of war. It's an honouring of peace.
Most years I don't mention Remembrance Day. I quietly observe on my own, walking the 3 blocks to my town's memorial to watch the placing of the wreaths. This year feels a bit different though.
This year's Remembrance Day comes as peace seems to be slipping into the shadow of war for more and more families around the world.
Take a moment. Reflect on the veterans, the wars, the lives lost and how quickly everything you know can change.
Hettie
Thanks, Karen. So important to celebrate peace and remember how fragile it is.
Kathy
Lovely post. Our nephew finished his service in the Marines in the Spring, and the whole family is so thankful that he won't be deployed anymore. Wishing more than anything for some peace in this world.
Marilyn Meagher
My Mom and Dad were veterans,I will never forget.
Karen
A beautiful post in troubling times. Thank you.
Vicki
Thank you for your lovely words. We had a parade in our small town and I was happy to see that many more people turned out this year than in year's past. I think you are right that people are more concerned about the world's affairs this year.
I appreciate you putting your thoughts to paper (digitally).
Mark
Thank you for your thoughtful words. I remember my uncle who is in eternal rest in Holland, forever 19.
Michelle B
Thank you Karen
Beautifully expressed. All gave some; some gave all
Barb
An honouring of peace-and sacrifice. A generation of young men were lost in WW1.
That same rail car was used to sign France's capitulation in WW2. There is an infamous photo of Hitler dancing a jig next to it.