November 11 is one of the most important dates in world history. It was on this day that the Armistice was signed — marking the end of World War I. That war affected almost every country on Earth.
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns fell silent in Europe. The Compiègne Armistice was signed, and peace finally began to return.
The red poppy became the symbol of remembrance — inspired by John McCrae’s famous poem “In Flanders Fields.” That’s why November 11 is often called Poppy Day in many countries.
To this day, nations around the world honor this date as a day of remembrance — though each country marks it in its own way.
Veterans Day in the USA
In America, November 11 is Veterans Day, a celebration of all who have served in the military. Initially, this day was originally associated only with the end of World War I. But since 1954, this holiday has been renamed Veterans Day.
On this day, thousands of veterans of different wars hold meetings. Official events are held. People lay flowers at memorials.
In the United States, it is an official holiday. It is approved at the state level. But not all schools and institutions have a day off, because in just a few days the Thanksgiving weekend is coming.
Day of Remembrance in Russia
Russia, too, was heavily involved in World War I. And November 11 is celebrated by Russian people as well.
But at the state level, the day of remembrance of soldiers who fell in World War I is held on August 1. This is the day Germany entered the war against Russia.
There are commemorative events on November 11, too. For example, services in temples. For most people this day means a lot. Public organizations also organize their own events.
Commemorative dates of November in Russia and the USA
November is rich in commemorations in all countries. In the United States it is:
- November 11 — Veterans Day
- Fourth Thursday of November — Thanksgiving
- November 24 — Friendsgiving / National Day of Friends
In Russia, these are mostly military holidays:
- November 4 — National Unity Day
- November 10 — Police Officers’ Day
- November 15 — National Day of the Conscript
- November 19 — Day of Missile Forces and Artillery
- Last Sunday of November — Mother’s Day
- November 27 — Marine Corps Day
A history lesson for children
No historical date should be a thing of the past. After all, history is lessons for the future. That is why it is so important for every generation to know its past.
Be sure to tell your children about the history of your country and the world. Pick a time and talk about the major world wars. This is an important history lesson for children.
It is wars and colossal losses that help us understand how not to act so that these disasters do not happen again.
Discuss the reasons that led to the war. Think logically about whether such tragic events could have been avoided.
They may only be conversations. But they will help your child learn more about history and develop logical thinking. It helps to develop the ability to negotiate.
Do not think that a child is too young and will not understand the theme of war. Children know very well what is goodness. And what is evil. And they should understand from childhood what kind of world they live in.
But most importantly, they must understand how to avoid terrible disasters in the future. After all, it is the new generation that is creating the future of our world.
Waking up one morning after a restless sleep, Gregor Zamza discovered that he was in his bed and had turned into a terrifying insect.
