Armistice Day

2024 - 11 - 12

From Grief to Glory: Armistice Day Through the Years!

Armistice Day - Dublin - Emmanuel Macron - Great War Memorial - Keir Starmer - Kilkenny - Linfield Football Club - NATO - Ronan McGreevy - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Dublin, Paris, and beyond come alive on Armistice Day, as leaders unite to honour the pastโ€”did Churchill just appear from a time machine?

Armistice Day has long been a solemn occasion of remembrance in Europe, especially in Dublin, where history echoes through the streets. On November 11, 1924, Dublin hosted one of its largest gatherings since the Home Rule rallies, drawing crowds to pay tribute to the sacrifices made during the Great War. People filled the heart of the capital city, their shared grief bringing a sense of togetherness in memorial, as they reflected on the impact of conflict on their lives, families, and communities. This annual tradition continues today, inviting fresh reflections on loss and unity across generations.

In recent developments, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris this past Armistice Day, marking a momentous occasion. It was the first time in nearly 80 years that a British leader attended this solemn ceremony in France since Winston Churchill laid a wreath alongside General Charles de Gaulle in 1944. This historic moment highlighted the enduring commitment between the UK and France to remember their shared histories while emphasizing the importance of international cooperation even in the present day, as discussions on NATO and ongoing global conflicts loom.

Much like the carnival season festivities across Europe, the mood on Armistice Day contrasts deeply with the underlying themes of sacrifice and valor. From military parades to reflective moments at memorials, events unfold across different regions, including a stirring ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, where military personnel took part in honoring their forebears. The observances serve as a powerful reminder of both the ravages of war and the rich tapestries of camaraderie and valor that have emerged despite them.

As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recognized the bravery of service members and veterans, the connections between past conflicts and current geopolitical tensions began to surface. With current discussions on military support for Ukraine and their ongoing war against aggression, the global fabric weaves through a tapestry of history, remembrance, and crucial alliances that show the importance of standing together.

Fun fact: Did you know that Armistice Day was first commemorated in 1919? While the dayโ€™s significance continues to be profound, it has also inspired Remembrance Day in several countries, including the UK and Canada, further emphasizing the endless ripple effects of conflict. Additionally, the traditions of the day often include a moment of silence at 11 AM, a practice that started in 1919 and has since been embraced globally, symbolizing peace and reflection on the cost of war.

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Image courtesy of "The Irish Times"

Grief and remembrance โ€“ Ronan McGreevy on Dublin's Armistice ... (The Irish Times)

The gathering in central Dublin on Armistice Day 1924 was the largest since the crowds that attended Home Rule rallies in the city 12 years previously.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Armistice Day and carnival season in Europe: photos of the day ... (The Guardian)

Main image: London, England Military personnel take part in an Armistice Day service at the Cenotaph Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images.

Armistice Day 2024 - Linfield Football Club (Linfield)

As part of our annual Armistice Day recognition, we remember those players who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War, over a century ago. Pte L.

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Image courtesy of "NATO HQ"

NATO Secretary General marks Armistice Day and Veterans Day (NATO HQ)

On Monday (11 November 2024), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Brussels Times"

Armistice Day: Belgian defence union warns federal negotiators not ... (The Brussels Times)

Union president Chris Huybrechts has warned that an "unprecedented threat" looms over the future of Belgium's military.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Sir Keir Starmer joins Macron on Armistice Day in Paris (Sky News)

The prime minister and French president laid a wreath together before relighting the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe.

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Armistice Day: Starmer and Macron celebrate Franco-British ... (Euronews)

It's the first time a British leader has been hosted for Armistice Day in France since Winston Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944, ...

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

UK's Starmer joins Macron for Armistice Day in a display of ... (FRANCE 24)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday became the first British head of government since Winston Churchill in 1944 to attend France's Armistice Day ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Starmer, Macron discuss NATO amid ceremony in Paris for Armistice ... (ABC News)

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Paris to attend French Armistice Day celebrations alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Macron and Starmer commit to Ukraine for 'as long as necessary' (BBC News)

France and the UK will support Ukraine for as long as necessary "to thwart Russia's war of aggression", French President Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir ...

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Image courtesy of "LBC"

Starmer becomes first British leader since Churchill to attend ... (LBC)

The Prime Minister joined French president Emmanuel Macron at the ceremony in Paris on Monday, laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and inspecting ...

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Image courtesy of "NATO HQ"

NATO Secretary General marks Armistice Day and Veterans Day (NATO HQ)

On Monday (11 November 2024), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Remembering Armistice Day in Europe: Liberty should be cherished ... (The Associated Press)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron at a Paris ceremony marking the 106th anniversary of the Armistice on Monday. It's a ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

The irony of Starmer's Armistice Day visit to France (Spectator.co.uk)

Sir Keir Starmer was the first UK leader to attend an Armistice Day ceremony in Paris since Winston Churchill did so alongside General de Gaulle in 1944. Yet ...

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Image courtesy of "Kilkenny People"

PICTURES: Kilkenny Armistice Day in the Peace Park (Kilkenny People)

The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee held an Armistice Day event in Kilkenny's Peace Park on Sunday, November 10. The commemoration ceremony consisted ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Watch: Starmer becomes first UK prime minister since Churchill to ... (The Independent)

Watch as Sir Keir Starmer joined Emmanuel Macron in Paris to attend an Armistice commemoration on Monday, 11 November.

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