Why is November 11 a Bank Holiday in France?
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Each year on 11 November, France observes a bank holiday to commemorate the end of World War I, a conflict that reshaped the nation and the world. The significance of this date goes back to November 11, 1918, in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne. There, Marshal Ferdinand Foch (representing France), Admiral Rosslyn Wemyss (for Britain), and Matthias Erzberger (for Germany) signed the Armistice agreement, bringing an end to four years of brutal warfare.
The ceasefire came into effect at 11:00 AM that same day, but fighting persisted until the very last moment. Sadly, Augustin Trébuchon, a French soldier, was killed at 10:45 AM, just fifteen minutes before the guns finally fell silent. The Armistice was only a temporary truce, originally set for 33 days, but it was later extended until the Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war on 28 June 1919.
The “Poilus”: The Ordinary Heroes of World War I
The soldiers of World War I, affectionately known as the “Poilus” (a term meaning “hairy ones,” referring to their often rough-looking, unshaven faces in the trenches), became the enduring symbol of French resilience during the war. These men: farmers, workers, teachers, and students, were thrown into the horrors of trench warfare, confronting not only enemy fire but also the mud, rats, and relentless cold of the northern and eastern regions of France.
The “Poilus” endured unimaginable hardships, yet their bravery and camaraderie became legendary. They formed the backbone of France’s resistance, and their sacrifices are central to the nation’s memory of the war. Today, the term “Poilu” evokes a deep sense of respect and gratitude, representing the everyday heroes who fought for their beloved country.
The Birth of a National Tribute
The initial remembrance of the Armistice took place in 1919, just a year after the fighting ended. However, in 1920, France transformed this day into a more profound act of national remembrance. Still mourning an entire lost generation, France sought to honour the countless soldiers who died unrecognised, their remains either scattered in battlefield mud or buried in unmarked graves. The need for a unifying symbol was clear, leading to a lasting tradition.
The Tomb of the “Soldat Inconnu”: A Symbol for a Nation
On 11 November 1920, the remains of an unknown French soldier were laid to rest under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, symbolising all fallen soldiers. This Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (soldat inconnu) became France’s central memorial, a place for the nation to mourn all its fallen. Choosing an unidentified soldier allowed every family, regardless of rank or origin, to see their loved one in this tribute. The tomb remains a sacred site where the living can honour the nameless dead.
A Day of Remembrance for All Fallen Soldiers
Originally, November 11 was a tribute to the soldiers of World War I, but its significance has expanded over time. In 2012, the French government widened the scope of the holiday to honour all military personnel who died in conflict, from World War II to the wars in Indochina, Algeria, and modern operations like Mali and Afghanistan.
This evolution demonstrates France’s commitment to remembering every soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice, regardless of the era. The day is no longer solely about 1918; it’s about all who fought and fell for their country.
The Cornflower (Bleuet): France’s Symbol of Remembrance
At the core of France’s November 11 traditions is the cornflower (bleuet), a fragile blue bloom that became a symbol of resilience during World War I. Soldiers observed that these flowers continued to bloom amidst the devastation of the battlefields, offering a delicate yet defiant splash of colour in a world of mud and despair.
Today, the Bleuet de France organisation sells cornflower pins to support veterans and their families. Wearing one on November 11 is a small but meaningful act of solidarity, ensuring that the memory of the fallen endures while assisting those who served.
How France Observes November 11 Today
November 11th is observed with solemn ceremonies throughout France. In Paris, the President of the Republic leads the national tribute at the Arc de Triomphe, reigniting the Flame of Remembrance and placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Elsewhere, in towns and villages, local officials, veterans, and citizens gather at war memorials to pay tribute to the fallen.
At 11:00 AM, the nation observes a minute of silence, a quiet but powerful reminder of the moment when the guns of World War I finally fell silent. Many French people also visit cemeteries to place flowers on the graves of soldiers or wear a cornflower pin as a sign of remembrance.
A Global Day of Reflection
France is not the only country observing November 11. Around the world, this date holds substantial significance, although traditions differ. In Belgium, it is also a public holiday, with ceremonies like those in France. The United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations observe Remembrance Day, where the poppy (not the cornflower) serves as the symbol of memory. In Canada, the day is a public holiday for federal employees and the military, while the United States honours its veterans.
For France, November 11 remains a day of national remembrance, a time to reflect on the past while honouring those who continue to serve. It is a bank holiday not only for rest but also for remembrance, a moment to reflect on the cost of war and to remember the importance of peace.
How Can You Honour This Day?
This November 11, take a moment to pause and reflect. Attend a local ceremony if one is organised in your area or observe the minute of silence at 11:00 AM, maybe in front of the TV. Wear a cornflower pin or share the story of a soldier from your family or community.
November 11 is more than just a day off or another cheeky “French bridge weekend”; it is a call to memory and a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were earned through sacrifice. By honouring this special day, we ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
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