When did the Armistice Day in Belgium start?
About Armistice Day in Belgium Holiday
Welcome to Belgium in celebration of Armistice Day! On November 11th, 1918, World War I was brought to an end and this day has been recognized and celebrated ever since as a day of peace. This special day is observed not only to commemorate the end of the war, but to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Armistice Day has special meaning in Belgium, for it was here that the war’s destruction was so intense. It has been said that The Great War may have been fought elsewhere, but all roads lead to Belgium to witness its tremendous consequences. Today we gather in Belgium in remembrance but also in celebration, for its ultimately a day of peace and forgiveness.
In honoring these special traditions, the people of Belgium humbly yet proudly pay tribute to those who fought in the war. Let us all collectively remember, commemorate, and celebrate 100 years of Armistice Day in Belgium together this November 11th. With this day, let us pledge our commitment to peace and understanding in the world and cherish the possibilities that open up when we all come together.
Armistice Day in Belgium
Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, is observed in Belgium annually on November 11 with solemnity, ceremonies, tributes, and thanksgiving. It is a special day to commemorate and honor all those that fought and lost their lives during the World War I. The day marks the end of the First World War on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month when guns all over Europe fell silent.
History and Origin
Armistice Day was originally known as Armistice Day and was first observed on November 11, 1918. It is observed in Belgium to mark the end of World War I and to honor the mistakes that led to the war, as well as to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. The day is believed to have its roots in the Roman-inspired events of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D; the event that reportedly led to Rome’s transformation from a republic to an empire.
Armistice Day was declared a public holiday in Belgium in 2008 to commemorate the 90-year anniversary of the end of World War I. This came after a movement by the country’s Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt who wanted to make the event more visible throughout the country by implementing the holiday.
In 2007, the day was officially adopted as an official holiday by the Belgian government in recognition of the “loss of life and suffering” that occurred during the war. On this day, the citizens of Belgium come together in varying forms to honor the fallen of World War I, particularly those from Belgium, a small nation that participated in a very small part of the war.
Significance and Meaning
Armistice Day in Belgium is of great significance and meaning to the people of Belgium, as it reminds them of the immense sacrifices made by those who fought in the war. This day is also of great importance to the country as it brings about a unifying spirit and reminds them of the similarities between the citizens of nations who suffered similar consequences of the war.
The people of Belgium pay their respects to the fallen heroes and remember their service with respect and solemnity. This day helps to bring the people together as one and remind them of the importance of peace and understanding. Armistice Day also serves to remind Belgians of the importance of respecting the veterans of the war and of the need to strive for peace and unity amidst all the chaos and turmoil of the world.
Traditions and Celebrations
On Armistice Day, Belgians commemorate the events of November 11th by holding a national day of remembrance. This day includes tangible and intangible activities, such as flag flying, the illumination of the Arc de Triomphe, candle lighting and special church services.
Political leaders and religious figures and organizations recognize Armistice Day throughout Belgium in various ceremonies. One of the most iconic events is the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier in Brussels City Hall square. The ceremony is attended by hundreds of military personnel and civilians and includes a march past of wreaths, a guard of honor, and a minute of silence at 11 o’clock.
In Belgium, the majority of celebration takes place across the Flanders region. There are a variety of different events that take place throughout Flanders, from wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments in towns and cities to more public-focused commemorations such as Armistice Classics concerts held in major cities.
Geographical Spread
Armistice Day is mainly celebrated in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. This region consists of the provinces of Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, Limburg, West Flanders, East Flanders, and a small part of Hainaut.
Armistice Day is also observed in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and in the cities of Bruges and Antwerp. In the cities of Namur and Liege, there are commemorative services held in memory of those who perished in the war.
Modern Day Observations
Armistice Day in Belgium is still celebrated in modern times with a range of ceremonies, religious services, concerts, and parades throughout the country. One of the main events to take place is the National Ceremony of Remembrance in Brussels. On this day, the royal family of Belgium, political figures, and ambassadors from all around the world lay wreaths on the graves of those who died during the war.
In modern times, Armistice Day also serves as an opportunity to promote peace and understanding. Campaigns such as ‘Peace Without Borders’ take place annually, encouraging people from all around the world to join together in showing respect and admiration for those who died in combat.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• Armistice Day was first declared a public holiday in 2008 and is celebrated in Belgium every year on November 11th.
• The Flemish region of Belgium is the most popular area to celebrate Armistice Day, as this region was one of the main battlegrounds of the First World War.
• The annual National Ceremony of Remembrance in Brussels includes a march past of wreaths and a guard of honor.
• On Armistice Day, citizens in Belgium pay homage to the Fallen of World War I with ceremonies such as the lighting of candles and playing of The Last Post.
• In modern times, Armistice Day is seen as a day to promote peace and unity rather than simply mourning those who fought in World War I.
• Armistice Day in Belgium is celebrated with other important holidays that commemorate the dead, such as All Saints’ Day.
• During the holiday, the country’s Prime Minister leads a national remembrance ceremony on the steps of the Royal Palace.
• Belgians also participate in a popular race called the Tour de Wallonie as part of the Armistice Day celebrations in Brussels.
• Each year, a parade is held in Ypres, a city heavily damaged by the war, in tribute to the war dead.
• During the holiday, special prayers are offered for those who gave their lives in the war, and special memorial services are held in all the major cities.
Holiday Wishes
• May the vision of peace that Armistice Day represents remain in everyone’s heart.
• Today, we honor the fallen heroes of World War I.
• May the courage, strength, and sacrifices of the veterans never be forgotten.
• Let us remember the histories of those who courageously fought on our behalf.
• Let us strive to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for our freedoms.
Holiday Messages
• “Let us never forget the courage and spirit of those who served during World War I.”
• “On this day, let us come together in remembrance of those who gave their lives during the war.”
• “Today, let us honor not only the fallen heroes, but also the living veterans of World War I.”
• “Let us strive to have a better understanding of those who sacrificed and served during the war.”
• “Let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of the veterans and strive to keep peace in our world.”
Holiday Quotes
“Freedom has a cost and we should never forget what those brave men and women did to protect our way of life.” -Joe Biden
“I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded… I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed… I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” -G.K Chesterton
“We will remember them.” -Laurence Binyon
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke
Other Popular Holiday Info
Another important holiday associated with Armistice Day in Belgium is All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day is an important holiday in the European Catholic tradition, observed on November 1st. It is a day to remember and honor the saints, known and unknown, who have died and gone to heaven. In the days leading up to Armistice Day, special commemorative events are held in honor of all those who have died in war and conflict.
Belgians often use the holiday as a time to reflect upon the lives and sacrifices of those who have served and symbolically “join hands” in support of peace. To this end, each year a “Peace Without Borders” rally takes place in Brussels to honor those who have died in war. The rally spreads awareness, encourages citizens to pledge peaceful actions, and calls for global disarmament.
The holiday is also closely linked to the government’s initiative of “War Prevention”, which is dedicated to the preventative measures that can be taken to keep war from breaking out in the first place. This is accomplished through the awareness, education, and discussion of the consequences of war, as well as the respect belated to those who gave their lives in service of their country.
Armistice Day in Belgium is a day to honor the country’s veterans, to remember the war dead, and to pay respect to those who sacrificed in the pursuit of peace. It is a holiday used to raise awareness of peace initiatives, to promote dialogue on ways to prevent war, and to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for the greater good.
Armistice Day in Belgium Also Called
Armistice Day, Belgium in Belgium is also referred to as Remembrance Day or Victory Day. It is a public holiday commemorating the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany for the cessation of hostilities, which took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
FUN FACT:
In year 1919, Armistice Day in Belgium is celebrated on November 11 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!