November 11, 1918 is a significant date in the history of France. It is also a public holiday. But do you know all the key facts surrounding this event? Here’s what you might not know about the Armistice.
In November, after All Saints’ Day, France also celebratesArmistice of 1918. This day commemorates a key moment in the history of France and its allies during a war that left its mark. Since then, this date has become a day of national remembrance, recognized as a public holiday by law. At school, the Armistice is a subject taught, and it is not uncommon for students to take part in the November 11 ceremonies.
What is an armistice?
By definition, an armistice is a formal agreement between the conflicting parties that ends the fighting. In practice, it is a temporary pause in hostilities, allowing a peaceful solution to be negotiated.
What do we celebrate during the Armistice on November 11?
November 11 is a day of commemoration marking the signing of the armistice which ended the First World War, sealing the victory of the Allies against Germany. This date is also an opportunity to pay tribute to all the soldiers who fell for France during this terrible conflict.
When does the Armistice of November 11 fall?
The Armistice of the First World War is commemorated every year on November 11 in France. In 2024, November 11 falls on a Monday. As a reminder, the armistice of the First World War was signed on November 11, 1918, scheduled to last 36 days, it was renewed. It was later, on June 28, 1919, that the war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
In France, every year, an official ceremony takes place in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by a taking of arms, laying of wreaths and the ringing of “to the dead”. Across France, these commemorations take place in front of war memorials, in cemeteries, and near First World War memorials, paying tribute to fallen combatants.
Who signed the Armistice of November 11, 1918?
The armistice of November 11 is signed by the Allies and Germany. At the time, on November 11, 1918, Marshal Foch, British Admiral Rosslynn Wemyss signed on behalf of the Triple Entente, and Matthias Erzberger and three other colleagues signed for Germany. The Armistice was signed by the different parties aboard a train, that of Marshal Foch, located in Rethondes, a commune in the Oise department. The train was stopped in the heart of the Compiègne forest.
What other countries celebrate the Armistice?
France is not the only country to commemorate the Armistice. In Belgium, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, but also in Italy and Portugal, we also celebrate the Armistice of November 11.
