Every year, on November 11, Canada and several other countries mark Remembrance Day. This special day has existed for over 100 years and honors soldiers who have lost their lives in combat. But why November 11? And what are these red flowers that we see everywhere as this date approaches? Let's see it together.
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month
In the early morning of November 11, 1918, a treaty between Germany and the Allies (a group of countries, including France, England, the United States, and Canada) was signed to end World War I. . At 11 a.m. that day, bells rang across Europe to announce the end of four long years of conflict.
On the same day, the following year, the Acting Prime Minister of Canada, Sir George Foster, received a message from the King of England, King George V. He requested that at the exact time of the end of the war, or at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, there will be two minutes of silence, in memory of those who gave their lives to restore peace.
At exactly 11 a.m., every office, business, factory and school in Canada shuts down. And since then, every November 11, ceremonies have taken place across the country in memory of fallen soldiers.
Remembrance Day is therefore a time for us to remember these heroes, to show that we have not forgotten the sacrifices they made to protect the population.
Over the years, the symbolism behind this day has evolved. Now we pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in combat, not just in the First World War. It is also a way of thanking veterans, that is to say veterans who are still alive.
It has also become a time to remember the damage created by war, in order to try to ensure that it does not repeat itself again.
The poppy, a great symbol
You've probably already seen people wearing a little red flower on their coat as November 11 approaches. It's a poppy. But do you know why it is the symbol of Remembrance Day?
Before the First World War, poppies were very rare in the fields that served as battle sites. But with all the action due to the conflict, the earth of these great spaces has been stirred up. Result ? At the end of the war, poppies, which otherwise would not have been able to germinate, bloomed everywhere.
The choice of this symbol also comes from a famous poem by Canadian soldier John McCrae entitled On the field of honor. This poem, in which he speaks of fields of poppies, is often read during November 11 ceremonies.
Every year, the Royal Canadian Legion, an organization created by veterans, launches the Poppy Campaign. From the end of October until November 11, free poppies are offered across the country and it is possible to make donations to support former soldiers and their families.
Par Marilys Beaudoin
Sources: the Government of Canada, the Canadian Encyclopedia and the Royal Canadian Legion
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