Every year on the on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country. At 11 am we take part in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who served, and continue to serve during times of war, conflict and peace.
World War One began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918. The conflict was between the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire) and the Allied Powers (Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States). It ended with the surrender of the Central Powers and Germany being forced to sign an Armistice.
Remembrance Day was first commemorated in 1919, and was originally known as Armistice Day. The day marked the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that brought World War One to an end 1918. The name was changed to Remembrance Day after World War Two, to honour those who served and are serving in all wars.
During the four years of the Great War around 273,000 Welshmen went off to active service and among those an estimated 40,000 perished during battle.
We not only remember the sacrifice of the soldiers, we also remember the women who played their part in the war. Around 1,600,000 women joined the workforce between 1914-1918, picking up the jobs that the men left behind.
So, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month people across Wales take a moment of silence to show their gratitude and appreciation for those who gave their lives for freedom.
-Emily Deane
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