by Jenifer Rose

Created on: January 01, 2010

World War I (WWI), the war that was supposed to end all wars, lasted from 1914-1918.  With over 70 million active military members taking part and over 15 million deaths, the First World War, was not only one of the longest wars in history, but also one of the deadliest.  To finally end this bloody conflict, Germany signed the armistice, a treaty in which the parties at war agree to stop, at eleven in the morning on November 11, 1918.  

On November 7 of the following year, King George V, dedicated November 11 as a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their respective countries.  Originally known as Armistice Day, the name was changed to Remembrance Day following WWII.  From that point on, it has been a day to honor those fallen in all wars, not just WWI.  

Countries worldwide celebrate Remembrance Day.  Some countries simply recognize a moment of silence while others have much more elaborate celebrations.  

 Canada  

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a public holiday.  While smaller ceremonies are held throughout the country, while the official ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.  It normally begins with the ringing of the carillon in the Peace Tower (bell and clock tower).  After the arrival of royalty and other persons of importance, the Canadian National Anthem, O Canada is played.  Just before 11 AM, Last Post (a bugle call which is used at military funerals and ceremonies honoring fallen war heroes) is played, followed by a gun salute then the Peace Tower bells tolling the hour.  The tolling of the bells begins a two minute moment or silence, which is ended by another gun salute.  

Generally, a song is played at this time, followed by the bugler playing The Rouse.  Immediately preceding a choir singing In Flanders Fields (one of the most renowned poems to come from WWI, written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae on May 3, 1915), a 21 gun salute signals the Canadian Air Command to do a flyby.  

It is then time for the dignitaries to place wreaths at the base of the Memorial.  One wreath is laid by the Silver Cross Mother.  This is a woman who is chosen each year in honor of all the mothers who have lost children to war.  The placing of the wreaths signifies the end of the official ceremony and the public is then welcomed to pay their regards by laying poppies on the tomb.  

Australia  

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