Remembrance Day/ Veteran’s Day, 2005

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the guns ceased. Today, the British Commonwealth countries remember those who came before, and those who came after, and all who have given in their nation’s service. Americans know this day as Veteran’s Day, and a number of European countries know it as Armistice Day.

On this day, DID offers background and worthy official sites related to Remembrance Day and Veteran’s Day. Readers may be interested in seeing the slight differences as well as the similarities – gaining new perspectives which may come in handy in project, liaison, or foreign posting situations.

The best remembrance is active assistance. Winds of Change.NET offers a comprehensive roundup of links to organizations that support troops in the field, veterans, and their families. The list includes American, Australian, British, Canadian, Danish, Israeli, and Polish troops; plus organizations acting on behalf of civilians and contractors in the war zones.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is generally celebrated throughout the countries that were part of the British Commonwealth during World War I. One notable wrinkle is that many Commonwealth countries include The Boer War, aka. The South African War, in their monuments and remembrances. South Africa, which went on to fight beside the British in both World Wars, celebrates the day but has a slightly different perspective.

There is no official ceremony in Germany, or in Russia where the bloodletting was an important contributing factor in the 1917 revolution. Still, semi-official events by veterans and appearances or statements by German diplomats abroad do occur (in 2005, Germany did old its own small ceremony in Berlin).

• Here’s an excellent audio rendition of The Last Post (QuickTime), traditionally played at the close of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

• The traditional poem that signifies this day is In Flanders Fields, first published in England’s “Punch” magazine in December, 1915. It was penned by Canadian Lt. Col. John McRae, MD. Flanders sits in Belgium, and there is a museum there with an interactive site.

• The symbol of the poppy on this day is nearly universal, reflecting the poppies that grew over the mass grave that Flanders Fields became. While John McRae got the tradition started, the wearing of the poppy to keep faith was a multinational effort that included an American named Moira Michael, the French secretary Madame Guerin, and the British Legion. Today, it is present as a symbol in America but not emphasized nearly as prominently as it is in the Commonwealth countries.

• The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

• Australian Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Remembrance Day page

• Bell/MSN’s Remember Canada covers Reembrance Day, and also the history and contemporary role of Canada’s armed forces. Meanwhile, The National Post’s Canada.com has its own set of remembrance stories.

Veteran’s Day

Note that America has both Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The distinction is sometimes confusing for outsiders, but it’s simple. Memorial Day is specifically focused on those who gave their lives in the service of their country; Veterans Day honours all who serve or have served in America’s armed forces.

• Americans play Taps at the end of remembrance ceremonies and military funerals (9/11 West Point Taps vigil, Quicktime | Standard Taps, .WAV file). Read an article at West Point Connection if you want to understand what’s behind these 24 notes.

• Unfortunately, the Pentagon is being forced to use ersatz recorded bugle playings due to a shortage of talent. Volunteers needed and wanted by “Bugles Across America”.

• US Department of Defense: Veterans Day 2005 site.

• America Supports You.MIL: Veteran’s Day 2005 site.

• The US Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects and preserves stories of wartime service.

• US Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Day pages. The National Honorary Spokesperson for Veterans Day is Jennifer Love Hewitt. I did not know that.