10,000 Torches Light Up Tower of London, Armistice Memorial 100 Yrs ago.

[appalachiablue]

Last edited Mon Nov 5, 2018, 10:42 PM - Edit history (2)

Royal British Legion Poppy

Remembrance Day Nov. 4, 2018. The Tower of London was illuminated on Sunday evening by thousands of torches, which were lit in its dry moat to mark the centenary of the end of the first world war 1914-1918. A Beefeater began the ceremony by bringing a flame down from the tower to the moat, which had been filled with smoke. Representatives of the armed forces and volunteers used the flame to ignite about 10,000 torches scattered at the foot of the tower’s walls Tower of London lights up in stunning Armistice memorial.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2018/nov/05/ten-thousand-torches-light-up-tower-of-london-in-armistice-memorial-video
*World War I Centennial Committee, https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/

Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries.

>Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am.) The First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.

The memorial evolved out of Armistice Day, which continues to be marked on the same date. The initial Armistice Day was observed at Buckingham Palace, commencing with King George V hosting a "Banquet in Honour of the President of the French Republic" during the evening hours of 10 November 1919. The first official Armistice Day was subsequently held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace the following morning.

The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. After reading the poem, Moina Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, wrote the poem, "We Shall Keep the Faith," and swore to wear a red poppy on the anniversary.

The custom spread to Europe and the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth within three years. Madame Anne E. Guerin tirelessly promoted the practice in Europe and the British Empire. In the UK Major George Howson fostered the cause with the support of General Haig. Poppies were worn for the first time at the 1921 anniversary ceremony. At first real poppies were worn. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I; their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day



Bleuet de France c. 1950.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Beautiful.

[Historic NY]

2. What is our nation doing?

Few even know what WWI is? What Armistice Day was? Many don't even know what 11 11 11 means. Its a shame. Meanwhile citizens and communities 'over there' are neck deep in remembering, young and old alike.

[appalachiablue]

3. From the wiki, it's regularly observed on Nov. 11, and Memorial Day.

Last edited Mon Nov 5, 2018, 10:31 PM - Edit history (2)

>Here's a *centennial committee & events link, https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/

We have more people serving and employed by the military now and in the last 20 than I ever remember in my life, yet the lack of awareness of history and culture among Americans these days is appalling. I know history basics from my parents who studied it, so did we. My grandfather was a WWI veteran. Anymore, especially since Reagan, history and civics/government are overlooked subjects in favor of business, finance and tech. Real shame. ~

Wiki. Veterans Day is observed in the United States on 11 November, and is both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. However, the function of the observance elsewhere is more closely matched by Memorial Day in May. In the United States, and some other allied nations, 11 November was formerly known as Armistice Day; in the United States it was given its new name in 1954 at the end of the Korean War to honour all veterans. Veterans Day is observed with memorial ceremonies, salutes at military cemeteries, and parades. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day

https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-world-war-one-casualties/