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Remembrance Day and Armistice Day: Honoring the Fallen While Amidst Conflict

A Historical Look at Armistice and Remembrance Day

Armistice Day, now known as Remembrance Day, originated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, marking the end of World War I. The armistice, or ceasefire, brought an end to the bloody conflict that had claimed millions of lives.

Observance in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Day is commemorated on the second Sunday of November, aligning with the anniversary of the armistice. This day serves as a solemn occasion for honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces throughout history. Ceremonies, including two minutes of silence, are held to pay tribute to the fallen.

Palestinians and Armistice Day

While the armistice brought an end to the First World War for many, it marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict for the Palestinian people. The British, who controlled Palestine at the time, issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, promising to establish a Jewish homeland in the region. This led to increased immigration of Jewish settlers, which has resulted in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Remembrance and the Ongoing Struggle

Palestinians mark Remembrance Day by commemorating the Nakba, or "catastrophe," which refers to the forced displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the unresolved conflict in the region.