Veterans honored around the world on November 11
Nov. 11, 1918 is the day that the First World War ended. Many countries around the world celebrate this day in different ways.
In America, the U.S. celebrated the end of the war with Armistice Day, renamed to Veterans Day in 1954 in order to include all veterans in the nation.
On this day, Remembrance Day is observed in Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations, which is a political association of mostly former territories of the British Empire.
The bright red poppy is an enduring symbol, popularized by “In Flanders Fields,” according to the New York Times.
BBC.com goes into a bit more detail about the red poppy's importance to Remembrance Day.
"In late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders were once again ripped open as World War One raged through Europe's heart. Once the conflict was over the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields," according to the website.
Canadians also celebrate Remembrance Day, which once shared its date with Thanksgiving.
The New York Times continued that this was "to avoid having its veterans overshadowed by food, the government pushed the turkey and stuffing to October."
Many of these days are sober occasions, but Australia holds Anzac Day in April, which in addition to dawn vigils, can be a bit on the fun side as well.
"[Anzac Day] marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War," according to the Australian War Memorial website.
One of the traditions on this day is to play two-up, a gambling game played by Australian and New Zealanders during the First World War. Pubs and bars across Australia are packed with people who gamble on which side a coin will land on.
Belgium also celebrates the end of World War I on Nov. 11, according to Time.com. The nation holds a Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The Last Post was a bugle call played by armies to mark the end of the day, and it is now used by the country to remember fallen soldiers.
Of course, in our own neck of the woods, we commemorate veterans as well. In the Cleveland, Tenn. area there are many deals and offers being made to local veterans.
The Times Free Press reports that American Family Care will be offering free flu shots to all veterans. Hundreds of free car washes will also be given to veterans, and dozens of stores and restaurants are offering discounts to all veterans. Read the full list here.
