As many of us know, ANZAC Day is Australia’s largest memorial event – so much so that it was declared a public holiday in 1927 and has remained so to this day. Remembrance Day however has just as much significance for a much broader audience, and it’s recognised in similar ways worldwide.

Held annually on November 11th, it has been a day of reflection and recognition as countries all over the world honour the millions of people who have served in the armed forces. On that day in 1918, the Armistice was signed, declaring that the fighting and therefore in time also the war, was officially over. It’s for this reason that 11th November is also known as Armistice Day in many places. A year later in 1919, the United Kingdom’s King George V, requested for 2 minutes of silence to be held at 11am on the 11th November to silently reflect on the enormous loss experienced by so many. This tradition stuck and many other countries followed suit. 

Remembrance across the globe – recognition across the Commonwealth

Across the Commonwealth nations, Remembrance or Armistice Day on 11th November attracts many to pay their respects. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, South Africa, Barbados, Belize and more all hold their own events, with similar rituals as well as their own unique additions. In Canada, the poem In Flanders Fields (written by a Canadian medical officer) is read as part of the ceremony, while in India, special ceremonies recognise the role of Indian soldiers in both world wars. In Australia, the Remembrance Day National Ceremony is held at the National War Memorial and includes a formal wreath laying, along with a commemorative address by the Governor-General. A similar order of proceedings is held in Wellington in New Zealand, and in Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. 

 

Remembrance across the globe – Armistice Day, United Kingdom

This national ceremony is held at the Cenopath in London, as well as at other war memorials and public places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the UK a 2 minute silence is held on the 11th day, at the 11th hour of the 11th month. This is partnered and sometimes coincides with Remembrance Sunday which is held on the second Sunday of November annually as the UK’s recognition of its fallen. With significant dignitaries from the forces as well as members of the Royal Family and the Government in attendance, both of these events continue  to impress with their ritual and gravitas.  

 

Remembrance across the globe – deep reflection in Europe 

Similar ceremonies are held in France at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where wreaths are laid and the names of the dead read aloud. Belgium’s ceremony also recognises British and Commonwealth soldiers and is held at the Menin Gate in Ypres. With a war history extending back centuries, the 11th of November is just one of the many events of recognition in the European calendar. The Union’s version of Memorial Day is a Europe-Wide Day of Remembrance for the Victims of all Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes held each August. Germany holds a ‘People’s Day of Mourning’ – Volkstrauertag which coincides with the UK’s Remembrance Sunday, also held on the second Sunday of November annually.  

  

Remembrance across the globe – the US remembers veterans

The same date is known as Veterans Day in the USA and though officially it’s on 11th November, the events often extend beyond this date. Unlike other regions who simply take time out of the day on the 11th to mark the event, in the US if this day falls on a week day, further events are held on the weekend to allow more people to attend. It’s also their second date of remembrance in the year, with Memorial Day falling on the last Monday in May, specifically to recognise those killed or injured in war. This distinction between them and veterans who suffer the most with the scars of war is deeply meaningful for many, especially families who have lost so much. With the distinction between these two aspects of service, it means Memorial Day is a sombre day of mourning and reflecting while Veterans Day has a more celebratory aspect to it, with parades, ceremonies and a national holiday!

 

Traditions and symbolic gestures

Of course, each country’s ceremonies have their own unique traditions and symbols, however there are some that are universal – the minute of silence being just one of them. Before it begins, a uniformed officer plays The Last Post on the bugle – a haunting call that is recognised worldwide and never fails to evoke an emotional response as it fades out and the minute of silence is held.  

There are others that are also shared and globally recognised, such as the wearing and presenting of poppies. As the first flowers to reappear on the battlefields after the war, the poppy offers a universal symbol of a shared loss – the black centre of the flower representing mourning and the red petals signifying the blood that was shed in battle. It is featured in wreaths laid at memorials and worn on the lapel by almost everyone in attendance on the day.  

 

Wherever we are in the world, there are few of us whose lives or families are untouched by the experiences of war. The honouring and remembrance of victims and veterans of war on the 11th of November is an act of unity, transcending borders, cultures, and generations. The rituals, symbolism and global recognition is an unspoken agreement in the importance of peace and never forgetting the sacrifice others have made for it. Remembrance Day memorialises those who endured the challenges conflict presents and ensures their selflessness, courage and dedication are never forgotten.

Australia’s Remembrance Day National Ceremony will be livestreamed from the National War Memorial on ABC TV. To show your respect, consider buying a poppy from a veteran this week, and wear it in your own reflections on the 11th. You can also attend a local service, or support organisations that support and care for Veterans like Veteran Housing Australia and Carry On.