The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
Monday November 10, 2008
It's November 11, Australian local time, and it's Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day. It is, of course, the anniversary of the end of World War I 90 years ago, and it is a day for remembering those who died in the wars. In November 1997, then Australian Governor-General Sir William Deane formally proclaimed November 11 Remembrance Day and urged all Australians to observe one minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
While Remembrance Day is thus observed in Australia, the better-known "remembrance" day in Australia (and New Zealand) is actually Anzac Day on April 25 each year.
Ceremonies take place today at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and in many other cities and towns. Across the country Australians observing the day pause for a minute's silence at 11am in remembrance of the fallen. Photo: Australian War Memorial in Canberra, courtesy Canberra Tourism & Events Corporation
Comments
They will never be forgotten, the soldiers who fought so bravely so we can have the life we do today. I hope the young of today will never forget and all of us show the respect that our soldiers deserve, fallen or still fighting. Our prayers are with them always.
Why was the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month chosen??? Strange!
Thanks for a great and informative article. I have also always wondered why this day was picked. Do you know?
jh
11 o’clock on the eleventh day of november was chosen because it is the exact time and date that the First World War ended with the signing of the Armistice with Germany in 1918.