Starmer becomes first PM to commemorate French rememberance day since Churchill

University courses Politics
1

**As Starmer became the first PM to commemorate the French Armistice Day since Churchill lets look at how they commemorate the day **

In France, Remembrance Day (Jour d’Armistice) on November 11th is a solemn national holiday marking the end of World War I in 1918 and honouring those who died in both World Wars and other conflicts. Here’s how it is commemorated:

National Ceremonies

Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe:

  • The central ceremony is held at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
  • The President of France lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which lies beneath the Arc.
  • The eternal flame, first lit in 1923, is rekindled to honour the fallen.

Minute of Silence:

  • At 11:00 AM, a nationwide moment of silence is observed to remember the armistice signing and the sacrifices of soldiers.

Local Commemorations

  • Across France, towns and villages hold their own ceremonies at war memorials (Monuments aux Morts), which are prominent in nearly every municipality.
  • Officials, veterans, and citizens lay wreaths and hold services. School children often participate by reciting poems or reading names of local fallen soldiers.

Military Presence

  • Veterans and members of the French Armed Forces are prominently featured in parades and ceremonies, wearing medals and uniforms to honour their service.

Flags and Decorations

  • French flags are flown at half-mast on public buildings.
  • Monuments and graves are often decorated with flowers, especially red poppies and blue cornflowers (Bleuets de France), the latter being France’s symbol of remembrance.

The Bleuets de France Campaign

  • The Bleuet de France (Cornflower of France) is akin to the British poppy. Sales of cornflower pins support veterans and their families. Wearing a cornflower is a visible act of remembrance.

Educational Efforts

  • Schools may host lessons or organize visits to war memorials and battlefields to teach students about the significance of the day.

International Connections

  • French leaders often participate in joint ceremonies with other countries, particularly at sites like the Somme or Verdun, to commemorate shared sacrifices during the World Wars.
2 Likes
2

That’s quite curious, we’ve been on good terms with France for decades, I really didn’t think 2024 would be the first year a British PM would commemorate French Remembrance Day, since Churchill

1 Like
3

It’s fascinating to see Starmer take part in such a significant tradition, especially as the first PM since Churchill to do so. The way France honours Armistice Day, with both national ceremonies and local commemorations, highlights their deep respect for those who served and sacrificed.

2 Likes