In the UK, commemorations are held on Remembrance Sunday, which is the Sunday nearest to the 11th of November. Paper poppies are sold for a couple of weeks beforehand to raise money for retired service personnel.
Armistice Day is recognised is New Zealand, but the main day of remembrance both here and in Australia is ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day, on April 25th, which is the anniversary of the landing of the ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915.
I thought I'd share a few personal stories to mark Armistice Day. My Granddad fought in World War 1, in a cavalry division. Most of his friends were killed. In World War 2 my Dad drove fire engines in Birmingham during the Blitz. He wasn't allowed to join the army because he had a withered leg from contracting polio when he was a boy. My Mum's boyfriend fought in the Pacific, was captured by the Japanese, and died in a Japanese POW camp.
I'm sure every family has similar stories of family members who have fought in wars. If you have any, please consider sharing them in a comment. I'd love to hear them.
This is absolutely beautiful Helen, and so wonderful for today.
ReplyDeleteWhen my father-in-law was still with us, he would spend hours telling WWII stories to my children. He lost many friends also. Many years later, my children still remember every detail of what he told them.
Have a beautiful weekend my friend!
xo.