Today is November 11, the day we celebrate the end of WWI (this year it's also a palindrome date, but that's another story). We have no more alive veterans from that war, so in theory no more reasons to continue celebrating its end, but I think it's good we still do so. 1) because it's a holiday ;-), 2) because it reminds us that about 100 years ago (and 60 if you consider WWII) there were still wars between European countries. Something that is now totally unthinkable. This, by the way, is a statue of Maréchal Foch, the very one who signed the armistice with Germany on November 11, 1918. You can see it at Champs de Mars, near Ecole Militaire.
It's always good to remember. I just re-read a Kurt Vonnegut book in which the narrator says he dislikes that the U.S. changed the name of the holiday because Armastice Day is sacred, but Veteran's Day is not. Interesting thought, regardless of your viewpoint. Either way, it's important to remember the horror of war. I'm not so sure war between Europeans is unthinkable: think of Croatia and Serbia and Bosnia not too many years ago. Maybe they weren't separate countries then, but it's hard to ignore that time. Sheer madness. This is why I hate war mongering election candidates. It can--and has--happened everywhere.
ReplyDeletePeace. Please.
It also is the Polish Independance Day. We got our lands and freedom back after 123 years of non-existance on maps.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.warsawvoice.pl/WVpage/pages/article.php/18728/news
Viva pax! (I may have mangled some languages there.)
ReplyDeleteWe should all be grateful to the soldiers who fought for the freedoms we now have. So many deaths and all in the name of freedom.
ReplyDeleteWeird the date of 11/11/11.
Kris
Very fitting. And I agree with Jeff. When I was a kid, I had a friend who was born on 11/11 and she always referred to her birthday as "November 11, Armistice Day" (her mom was a WWII war bride).
ReplyDeleteLovely photo, and lovely sentiment. I, too, prefer Armistice Day, unrepentant history major that I am. Nevertheless, thank you to all the veterans, including my uncle Russell, who served on a minesweeper in the Pacific at age 17.
ReplyDeleteThink of how the world would be today if not for all the brave men and women who, during the last century, fought for freedom. Another war in Europe unthinkable? Believe that's what was said after WWI. But, I hope you're right!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot for Remembrance Day. I have one too.
ReplyDeleteSydney - City and Suburbs
Nice "clean" photo.
ReplyDeleteI so agree; we need remembrance to avoid.
Happy Armistice Day! (OR Happy Veteran's Day, depending on where you are.) Wherever you happen to be, if you have served, thank you. An especially loving "thank you" goes to my father, who was overseas serving when I was born until I was 3 months old.
ReplyDeleteHappy date day -- 11-11-11!! :)
A memorable day indeed. The day does not seem as memorable in my country anymore...so sad. I recall Armistice Day as a time when we sold and wore red paper poppies with a significant stop at 11 am in the classroom when we stood and paused to remember all the soldiers. Doesn't happen anymore; haven't seen a red poppy in decades.
ReplyDeleteWe still have the 2 minute silence at 11am here in the UK, which was well observed in the town where I work. There was also a ceremony at the war memorial and red poppies are still worn widely here.
ReplyDeleteThere will be further ceremonies at war memorials around the country on Remembrance Sunday.
You may be celebrating the end of WWI, but here in the U.S. we are honoring ALL veterans of ALL wars - living and dead.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of those who have more guts than I do.
Yes: even if you think a specific war was justified, the people who served in the military should be honored and respected. Once they decided (or were drafted) to be in the military, it wasn't their choice whether or not to fight. They served and did their jobs and deserve respect.
ReplyDeleteI missed the 11:00 moment, so thank you all for the reminder. I'm only 30 minutes late.
I meant to say "whether or not you think a specific war was justified,..."
ReplyDeleteAwww. I love all your comments (especially the very personal ones). Thank you.
ReplyDelete@J Bar. I loved your photo (and left a small thank you word).
Bonjour,
ReplyDeleteje crois que le soldat près de l'école militaire sur le champ de Mars est le Maréchal Joffre.
Le Maréchal Foch se trouve, lui, place du Trocadéro.
Bonne journée