On 11th November, 1918 at 11 am, a ceasefire was called across the battlefields of Europe and the First World War came to an end.

Since then the closest Sunday in November to the 11th is a day of Remembrance for those who have fallen in defence of their country. This happens in addition to that which takes place on the 11th.

Across Britain ceremonies take place where poppy wreaths are laid at war memorials, echoing the main ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

At 11 am a two minute silence is observed by all.

Although international time zones mean your 11 am is a different one, if it strikes you, take a quiet moment at that time and think what you might not have if those people had not fought for you.

And remember what they went through too.

*Goes to put flag back up, which came down during a recent storm-it's always flying*

People still celebrate that?

I think we would be better off if none of those people had fought in that particular war.

I think that the flaws of that 'peace' were too great to justify a holiday.

And the fighting was not stopped, only delayed for about 2 decades...

Good point. It's just a matter of showing your support that we don't all speak German(except for SK)due to the fighting for freedom.

All wars are nasty and there's never been one where one side would have been completely innocent and the other one completely evil. That doesn't mean we should disrespect those who have done what they had to do in those battles, whether British, German, French, or whatever nationality.

Rememberance day is a public holiday here in Canada, always on Nov 11th.

Veteran's Day is April 27th back home in Finland, celebrating the end of Lapland War, the last of the 3 separate wars Finland fought during the years of WWII.

How was the first world war a fight for freedom on either side? It was a fight over 'some damn fool thing in the Balkans', like Bismark predicted.

I know what you're saying. The problem is that hind sight is 20/20. It could have all come out different. The people in the 'hundred year war' didn't even know that's what they were living. They thought that was life. I'm not a fan of war at all.

Seems odd to celebrate so many people being killed

No-one has ever celebrated it.

It is a commemoration, not a celebration.

And in the UK, at least, it's not a holiday.

As I say above, it's not a celebration.

Ok, I take your point buy many people from my country have been killed by British Forces in their pursuit of Imperialism in the last two centuries the commemoration can be seen as a little Vitriolic to others. There are two sides to “war”, that’s my only point.

Patrick you misunderstand. We remember those who die in the war. No celebration, no partying, no apportioning blame or slapping each other on the back to say how good we are.

We just remember.

There is no gung-ho attitude about it. It is a solemn affair which we remember all who have died for whatever reasons right or wrong.

We celebrate Remembrance Day today, on the 11th. I will be observing a 2 minute silence at 11, along with everyone else here who will venture out into the blizzard to pay tribute and give thanks to our veterans.

I will remember the sacrifice my great and great-great grandparents, aunts and uncles made during the wars. Nobody wanted to fight, and to me, raising us as proud Canadians matters more than the side of the battlefield they fought during the war.

Well without the first we probably wouldn't have had the second...so there's that.
Seriously, I am glad that there were and are people who are willing to take a stand for freedom. Yes war is a terrible thing, and I wouldn't mind if it stopped completely, but there are those who disagree. I think it is a good idea to have people who will stand between those who want to fight and those who don't or are too weak.

Like I said,the First war wasn't a stand for freedom. If it had turned out the other way, I think that there probably wouldn't have been a second one.

When I was a youngster this day was called Anniversary Day in Brooklyn. It did take the form of a celebration, mostly involving local organizations. There was a huge parade with a few school bands and many church congregations marching with decorated baby carriges and strollers pushed by proud moms.

These parades took place in many neighborhoods throughout NYC.

I'm referring to the 1930's, before WWII. I'm not sure when this all changed in NY. It certainly is a more somber day now.

It is important to remember that in the UK there was conscription during the two World Wars. This meant that people fought regardless of whether or not they wanted to but because they had to. Also, WWI was the first truly modern war. Those volunteering had no idea of the conditions they would face and the massive casualties which occurred. There is also the issue of peer pressure, seen in the formation of Pals' Battalions, and that they thought the war would be very short. "Over by Christmas." I am very anti-war and sometimes anti-soldier, but I still think that Remembrance Day is important and those young men and women should never be forgotten.