History of Armistice Day in Timeline

Armistice Day, observed on November 11th, commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918, marking the end of World War I hostilities on the Western Front. Signed at 5:45 am, the cessation of fighting officially took effect at 11:00 am, the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month." Though shelling reportedly continued throughout the day, the armistice signaled a crucial turning point. It was initially set to expire after 36 days and required several extensions. The formal peace agreement was finalized with the Treaty of Versailles the following year. In the Commonwealth it is now known as Remembrance Day and in the United States as Veterans Day.

1918: Poland's National Independence Day

In Poland, November 11, 1918, is observed as National Independence Day, a public holiday commemorating the restoration of Poland's sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic.

1918: Armistice signed between Allies and Germany

On November 11, 1918, the armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, at 5:45 am, ceasing hostilities on the Western Front at 11:00 am. Shelling continued until nightfall, and the formal peace agreement was the Treaty of Versailles.

November 1919: First Armistice Day Celebration

In November 1919, the first Armistice Day celebration commenced at Buckingham Palace with a banquet hosted by King George V for the President of the French Republic. The first official events were held on the morning of November 11, 1919, including a two-minute silence.

1939: Two-minute silence moved to Remembrance Sunday

In Britain, in 1939, the two-minute silence was moved to the Sunday nearest to November 11 to avoid interfering with wartime production. This day became known as Remembrance Sunday.

1954: Name changed to All Veterans Day

In 1954, the United States changed the name of the holiday to All Veterans Day, which was later shortened to Veterans Day, to include all veterans of the armed services.

November 2003: Death of first Romanian soldier in Afghanistan war

In Romania, Armistice Day is observed as Veterans' Day. November 11, 2003, also signifies the death of the first Romanian soldier in the Afghanistan war.

2012: Armistice Day made a public holiday in Serbia

In 2012, Armistice Day became a public holiday in Serbia. Serbian people wear Natalie's ramonda as a symbol of remembrance.

2015: Romanian peony used to pay tribute

Since 2015, in Romania, the Romanian peony is used to pay tribute to the Romanian soldiers who died on the battlefield.

November 2018: Requiem Mass suggestion by Catholic Bishops

In November 2018, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales suggested that churches conduct a Requiem Mass for the dead of the war on Sunday, November 11.

November 2018: Centenary Commemorations Held Globally

On November 11, 2018, the centenary of the Armistice was commemorated globally. In France, over 60 heads of state and government gathered at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.