Remembrance Day 2024

Remembrance Day 2024Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Remembrance Day – is a time to not only remember those who have given their

lives in service, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of international significance

On Monday Braeside Thika family marked the day by wearing poppies (throughout the week), blowing the trumpet and observing a two minute silence at 11.11 am. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I (WWI), Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving, whether in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations.  

At 5am on 11 November 1918 in a railway carriage in France, representatives of France, Britain and Germany all signed a document that would put an end to four years of conflict. Six hours later – at 11am – those signatures would bring into effect the Armistice that ended WWI.  Across the world, people rejoiced and celebrated the news. Despite the late hour of the day, schools, fire stations, and church bells around the world rang, waking hundreds of people to share the news that war was over.  

Alongside the excitement, there was also a notable sense of loss and grief. More than 10 million, both soldiers and civilians lost their lives. On the first anniversary of the Armistice (11 November was known as Armistice Day until after WWII), King George V asked all the people of the British Empire to observe two minutes’ silence at 11am.  It’s a tradition still honoured today in all commonwealth countries as we remember all who have served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations since.