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I am reminded today that I grew up as an ignorant American.
This statement might shock you, but it’s true.
I didn’t really know anything about Armistice Day until I moved to France as a 19-year-old foreign exchange student.
My Discovery of Armistice Day
For the summer before my year abroad in a French university, I was a nanny in a tiny village in the north of France. It was located on the outskirts of the Forest of Compiègne, north of Paris. It was during that time that I met my future French husband, Vincent, and we would regularly go hiking and biking in the forest.
Compiègne
In the city of Compiègne, lying along the Oise River, one is bathed in world history.
—Joan of Arc was captured there in 1430.
—Compiègne was the headquarters of the invading German army during the Franco-German war in 1870-71.
—The incredible Palace of Compiègne was built for King Louis XV in the 18th Century and then renovated by Napoleon I—now a beautiful art museum.
—Compiègne was occupied again by the Germans in World War I.
—The famous Armistice was signed in the personal railway carriage of Marshal Ferdinand Foch on November 11, 1918 in the Forest of Compiègne.
What Exactly is Armistice Day?
Perhaps I heard about Armistice Day in one of my American high school history classes. If I did, I certainly don’t remember. It wasn’t until I moved to France at the age of 19, that my eyes were open to the world around me. I began to develop my cultural awareness.
Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, “commemorates the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Although hostilities continued in some areas, the Armistice essentially brought an end to four years of fighting in the First World War.”
The Telegraph
Interestingly enough, the Armistice was actually signed at 5 a.m. on November 11, 1918. However, it didn’t come into force until six hours later, at 11 a.m.
Many countries, like Britain and France, pause for a two-minute silence on the 11th hour on November 11 to remember.
Poppy—The Symbol of Remembrance
“The poppy is the enduring symbol of remembrance of the First World War. It is strongly linked with Armistice Day (11 November), but the poppy’s origin as a popular symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of the First World War.”
Imperial War Museums
750,000 poppies were dropped over the Battle of Britain Memorial as a part of Remembrance Day.
What Does the U.S. Call ‘Armistice Day’?
The United States refers to Armistice Day as “Veteran’s Day.”
“The holiday, which originally marked the end of World War I, was broadened in the 1950s to honor veterans of all wars.”
NY Times
I grew up knowing about Veteran’s Day, but I had no idea that November 11 originally commemorated Armistice Day.
I was an ignorant American.
But, I know now that November 11 is Armistice Day—celebrated around the world.
Today marks 101 years since the ending of World War I.
Perhaps we can each pause for two minutes today, on November 11, at 11 a.m. (or whenever you read this in your part of the world!) Let’s remember those who died and gave their lives—to give us freedom!
Freedom is always worth celebrating!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
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What about you? How’s your history knowledge? Did you grow up knowing what Armistice Day is?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
