remembrance day: US, AUSTRALIA, CANADA

Veterans Day/Remembrance Day US November 11

Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada and England were originally called Armistice Day. Armistice Day was the day on which the armistice agreement between the Allies and the Central Powers was signed, ending World War I at 11 o’clock on November 11, 1918. This was the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. At the time, many people thought there would never be another war.

After World War II, England and Canada changed the name of Armistice Day to Remembrance Day. The United States changed the name to Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces during all of its wars. Veterans Day is different from and much more inclusive than Memorial Day (May 30th) which honors those who died in the service of their country.
On Veterans Day there are parades and speeches. People visit war memorials and place wreaths there.

Remembrance Day AUSTRALIA Nov 11

Remembrance Day (11 November) marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914-18). Each year Australians observe one minute's silence at 11am on 11 November in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts and all those who have served during the past 100 years.
A few schools each week are given the opportunity to have a small wreathlaying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. A returned serviceman or woman and the school’s local Federal Member of Parliament (if available) will attend the wreathlaying ceremony.
More than 416 000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I. Of these, 324 000 served overseas. More than 60 000 Australians were killed, including 45 000 who died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and more than 8 000 who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day - a day to remember those who died in World War I. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries. After World War II the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom's proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.



Veterans’ Week –CANADA 6-11 November

Each year, Canada marks Veterans' Week from November 5 to 11. Veterans' Week is a time to honour and remember all those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Throughout the week, commemorative events and activities will be held in communities across Canada.



SOURCES / LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION

CANADA http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/
AUSTRALIA http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/rememb/Rem_day.htm
USA http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/