Veterans, Remembrance And Poppy Day: Are They All The Same?

On November 11th, Americans celebrate Veterans Day also known as Armistice Day. In addition London, France, Canada, and the U.S. also call it Poppy Day. Remembrance Day is also observed in the aforementioned countries as well as Australia, however, on the Australian calendar it is known as Anzac Day. Are they all the same? Yes, they are. It is a solemn day in which everyone worldwide honors the veterans who fought in all wars. It is also the day which marked the end of World War I.

President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. It was a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, however in 1954, after World War II had caused an untold number of American casualties; veteran organizations asked that a day be set aside to honor all military men and women who fought in all wars. Thus, in 1938, Armistice was replaced with Veterans, and in June of 1954, November 11th officially became the day in which all veterans would be honored – Veteran’s Day.

Remembrance Day is commemorated in Great Britain and other countries mentioned above by two minutes of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month each year. There are ceremonies held at War memorials, similar to U.S. commemorations at the many memorial sites around the country. Remembrance Day was created in 1919 by King George V.

Research records indicate that Poppy Day originated during the Napoleonic wars, when a writer named John McCrae wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.” As he visited the grave of his friend, he noticed that poppies were growing near the grave. The poppy became the symbol of remembrance. Originally, a French woman conceived the idea of having veterans organizations sell fake poppies to benefit the families of those who died. This tradition began in 1922 and is still celebrated today. Red poppies are worn to honor those who fought and died in all previous wars.

In every free country across the globe, Veterans are honored according to the traditions and cultures associated with this special day. Whether it is wearing red poppies, visiting memorials, or marching in parades, it is this day that is entirely devoted to our veterans and soldiers who have died in wars past.

Considering the ongoing conflict around the world today, Veterans Day is a particularly solemn one and everyone who loves freedom participates in some small way to show our soldiers around the world that we are praying for them and support them fully.
In addition, to those who bravely fought in World War I, II, Korean War, and Vietnam – it is equally important that we show our appreciation to those who survived as well as to the families of those who lost their lives, so that we can continue to enjoy the freedom we have today.