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Photo by Teressa Hosie

Armistice Day

Isla Hill —

By Isla Hill

What is Armistice Day? Well, it’s a day of remembrance when France, Britain and Germany all signed the Armistice to agree that WW1 had ended and there would be peace. As soon as that was confirmed it brought relief for those who were included in the war.

On Tuesday 30 of October 2018 Rimu class watched a drama skit that taught us about Armistice Day. It made us think deeper about Armistice Day and what it means.

Here is what I found out?

  • Well, it commemorates the sacrifice of those who died or got injured during the war and serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflicts since.

  • The coming of peace was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year of 1918, which was 100 years ago.

  • The signing of the Armistice took place in Ferdinand Foch's railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, about 37 miles (60 km) north of Paris. The location was chosen as it was remote and discreet. Ferdinand Foch was a French military commander and was one of the people who signed the Armistice.

  • On Armistice Day they like you to hold a two-minute silence because King George V asked the public to observe a silence at 11 am 1919 a year after the Armistice was signed to end WW1. He made this request so the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on the remembrance of the glorious dead.

  • The red poppies get worn as a symbol of the remembrance. The red is the blood of those who died and gave their lives for war.