KAROO NEWS - Remembrance Day, often referred to as Poppy Day because of the tradition of wearing remembrance poppies, is a day of remembrance observed in several Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I in 1919.
Its purpose is to honour and remember members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The significance of this day is recognised in various non-Commonwealth nations as well.
In most countries, Remembrance Day falls on 11 November, which marks the cessation of hostilities in World War I.
The armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, and this moment is often referred to as "the 11th hour." The official end of World War I came with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 919.
The roots of Remembrance Day can be traced back to Armistice Day, with the first Armistice Day observed at Buckingham Palace, where King George V hosted a Banquet in Honour of the President of the French Republic on the evening of 10 November 1919.
In South Africa, Remembrance Day is not a public holiday. Commemorative ceremonies are typically held on the nearest Sunday, featuring bugle calls, a two-minute silence and tributes at locations such as the Cenotaph in Cape Town and the Voortrekker Monument cenotaph and War Memorial at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Many high schools also conduct Remembrance Day services to honour former students who died in various wars. Additionally, the South African Legion of Military Veterans collects funds through street collections to support the welfare of military veterans.
A remembrance poppy is an artificial flower worn in some countries to commemorate military personnel who sacrificed their lives in war.
These poppies are made and distributed by veterans' associations in exchange for charitable donations, which are used to provide financial, social and emotional support to current and former members of the armed forces.
Remembrance Sunday this year is on 12 November. A service will be held at St James' Church, Somerset Street, Graaff-Reinet at 17:00.
Anyone who wishes to place wreaths or flowers please contact the minister, Dr. Mark Marais, by Friday 10 November on 049 8922458. There will be a gathering at the Graaff-Reinet Club afterwards.
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