Armistice Day (Jour de l'Armistice)

Armistice Day, known as "Jour de l'Armistice" in France, is commemorated on November 11th each year. It marks the anniversary of the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany, which ended hostilities on the Western Front at the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" in 1918. This armistice effectively brought an end to World War I, one of the deadliest conflicts in history. In France, Armistice Day is a national holiday, and it is a day of remembrance for those who died in the war and for honoring military veterans. Ceremonies are held across the country, with the most significant event taking place at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where the President of France lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tomb honors the unidentified soldiers who died in World War I and other conflicts. Armistice Day is similar to Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. It serves as a day of reflection and respect for the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War I and subsequent conflicts. Many people wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance, and moments of silence are observed to honor the fallen.