Origin & history
On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 AM, the Armistice of Compiègne was signed between the Allies and Germany, ending hostilities on the Western Front. The first anniversary in 1919 was marked with ceremonies, and in 1922, France made November 11 a national holiday. Initially called Armistice Day, it was later renamed Remembrance Day but the official name remains Armistice de la Première Guerre mondiale. The date also holds significance as the burial place of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe since 1920, symbolizing all unidentified French soldiers who died in the Great War.
Customs & traditions
The main ceremony occurs at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where the President of the Republic lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and rekindles the eternal flame. Similar ceremonies take place at war memorials across France, with mayors and veterans laying wreaths. Schools and public buildings hold a minute of silence at 11:00 AM, and residents erect flags at half-mast. Families may visit cemeteries to lay flowers, particularly red poppies, on soldiers' graves. Many communities also hold parades featuring active military, veterans, and local organizations. There are no specific traditional foods, but families often gather for a meal after the ceremonies.
Why it is celebrated
Armistice Day honors the sacrifices of French soldiers in World War I, a conflict that killed over 1.3 million French troops. It serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the value of peace. The day also pays tribute to all French military personnel who died in subsequent wars, with the Unknown Soldier as a symbol. It reinforces national unity and remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the Great War are not forgotten.