What is Wapenstilstandsdag?

Wapenstilstandsdag, or Armistice Day, is commemorated each year on November 11th. This day marks the end of World War I, with the armistice taking effect at precisely 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918;the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The holiday honors the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the Great War and is primarily observed in Belgium, France, and other European nations deeply affected by the conflict.

For Belgium, in particular, Wapenstilstandsdag is a day of remembrance and reflection, featuring solemn ceremonies, moments of silence, and gatherings at war memorials. It’s a time when people collectively honor the soldiers and civilians who endured the hardships of war, reflecting on the importance of peace and the cost of conflict.

History and Origin

Wapenstilstandsdag began immediately after World War I ended, in 1918, as a way to honor those who had sacrificed their lives during the conflict. This remembrance day became an enduring symbol of respect across Europe, helping generations remember and learn from the horrors of war. The first Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies were simple, featuring moments of silence and laying of wreaths, often at local memorials where communities gathered to honor the fallen. The holiday spread over the years, with cities and towns across Europe taking up the tradition.

One of the most iconic Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies takes place in Ypres, Belgium, a city heavily impacted by the war. Here, at the Menin Gate Memorial, the Last Post is played daily;a bugle call that traditionally signals the end of a soldier’s day. This tradition has been held nightly since 1928, with only brief interruptions during World War II. The Menin Gate bears the names of thousands of soldiers who went missing during the war and remains a powerful symbol of loss, remembrance, and resilience. Each year, thousands of people come to Ypres for Wapenstilstandsdag to witness the ceremony, pay their respects, and participate in the enduring tradition of honoring the fallen.

Who Observes Wapenstilstandsdag?

Wapenstilstandsdag is a significant day for many groups of people. Each group approaches the day with a deep sense of purpose, coming together to reflect and honor those affected by the First World War.

• Belgian Citizens: Many Belgians, particularly in areas deeply impacted by the war, attend ceremonies and observe moments of silence. The day is both a national holiday and a day of collective remembrance.
• Military Veterans and Families: Those with a connection to military service or with family members who served in World War I and other conflicts participate in ceremonies to honor their loved ones. Veterans’ associations often play a large role in organizing and participating in the day’s events.
• Government Officials: Belgium’s leaders, including members of the royal family, often attend ceremonies at key memorial sites, reinforcing the country’s dedication to honoring those who served.
• Historians and Enthusiasts: Many people interested in military history and World War I attend Wapenstilstandsdag events, often visiting significant sites like the Menin Gate to gain insight into the past and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Tourists and Visitors: Every year, international visitors come to Belgium, particularly Ypres, to witness the Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies. Many are drawn by family ties or a personal connection to the First World War, while others come to pay their respects and gain a deeper understanding of the war’s impact.

Slogans and Themes

The themes and slogans of Wapenstilstandsdag emphasize remembrance, peace, and respect for those who served. These words and phrases capture the spirit of the day, reminding people of the lessons from the past and the enduring importance of peace. Some of the most common slogans and themes include:

• “We Remember”: This slogan emphasizes the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives and serves as a commitment to ensuring their legacy is not forgotten.
• “Lest We Forget”: A reminder of the value of learning from history and keeping the memory of the fallen alive, this phrase urges people to remember the past to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
• “Peace and Remembrance”: This theme underscores the goal of Wapenstilstandsdag: reflecting on the devastating impacts of war and valuing the peace achieved since.
• “In Flanders Fields”: A reference to the famous poem by John McCrae, which encapsulates the loss and sacrifice of war, this theme is widely recognized and deeply resonant in Belgium, where the Flanders region was a major battlefield during the war.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Red: The poppy flower, which grew on the fields of Flanders during World War I, symbolizes the bloodshed of soldiers who died in battle. Red is the predominant color on Wapenstilstandsdag, especially on poppy lapel pins and wreaths placed at memorials. This color acts as a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made.
• White: White represents peace and hope for a world without conflict. White flowers and doves are often used in ceremonies to symbolize the peace sought after the devastation of war. White is also seen in attire and floral arrangements, reinforcing the solemn and reflective mood of the day.
• Black: Associated with mourning and respect, black is commonly seen in formal attire and ribbons worn by attendees at Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies. It reflects the somber tone of the day and the deep respect for the lives lost in battle.

Symbols

• Poppy Flower: Inspired by John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” the poppy has become an enduring symbol of remembrance worldwide. People wear poppies on their lapels as a mark of respect for fallen soldiers, and wreaths of poppies are placed at war memorials. The poppy is especially significant in Belgium, as it represents the natural resilience that followed the war’s destruction.
• Last Post Bugle Call: A staple of Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies in Ypres, the Last Post is a bugle call that signifies the end of a soldier’s day. Its haunting sound marks a solemn farewell, honoring those who lost their lives. This call is especially moving at the Menin Gate, where it has been performed daily since 1928.
• Wreaths: Placed at war memorials, wreaths serve as a tribute to fallen soldiers. Often made of poppies or other flowers, they represent respect, remembrance, and the hope for a peaceful future.
• White Dove: Representing peace, doves or images of doves are sometimes released or displayed during Wapenstilstandsdag ceremonies. This symbol reinforces the hope for a future without conflict and commemorates the end of hostilities.

Patterns

• Poppy Motifs: Poppies are prominently featured in wreaths, lapel pins, and memorial decorations. This motif reinforces the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and is seen on clothing, banners, and other items during Wapenstilstandsdag.
• Wreath Patterns: Circular patterns in wreath arrangements symbolize unity and continuity, showing the respect shared by all who attend the ceremonies. The unbroken circle of the wreath reflects a sense of community and shared responsibility to remember the past.
• Simple, Formal Designs: The overall aesthetic of Wapenstilstandsdag is often minimalist, with respectful, straightforward patterns and designs that reflect the serious and somber tone of the day. This simplicity serves to highlight the depth of the occasion without overshadowing the memories of those being honored.

How to Observe Wapenstilstandsdag

Observing Wapenstilstandsdag offers various ways for people to show respect and remember the sacrifices of those who served in World War I. Whether through attendance at public ceremonies, wearing symbolic attire, or private reflection, participants pay homage to a history that continues to shape the present.

• Attend a Ceremony: Public ceremonies, particularly in Belgium, offer an opportunity to honor the fallen with others. Major events occur at memorials like the Menin Gate, where attendees gather to lay wreaths, observe moments of silence, and listen to speeches reflecting on the day’s meaning.
• Wear a Poppy: The poppy, as a symbol of remembrance, can be worn on clothing or placed at memorials. This simple act of wearing a poppy is a meaningful way to express respect and reflect on the sacrifices of the past.
• Observe a Moment of Silence: At 11:00 AM, people across Belgium and other countries observe a moment of silence. This brief but powerful gesture allows individuals to pause and reflect on the cost of war and the importance of peace.
• Visit War Memorials: Many people visit war memorials, such as the Menin Gate in Ypres, to pay respects to the fallen. These visits provide a chance to reflect on history, remember the lives lost, and consider the importance of working toward peace.
• Share on Social Media: Social media is used by many to spread awareness of Wapenstilstandsdag and honor the day’s significance. Posting stories, photos, or reflections with popular hashtags helps to reinforce the message of remembrance and connect people worldwide in a shared moment of reflection.

Why is Wapenstilstandsdag Important?

Wapenstilstandsdag is more than a day of commemoration; it serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the preciousness of peace. The day encourages people to look back on history, honoring the sacrifices of those who served and reflecting on the lessons of World War I. For many, the day also offers a personal connection, as it provides a time to honor family members or ancestors who served in the military or were affected by the war.

By observing Wapenstilstandsdag, communities come together to acknowledge a shared past and reinforce a commitment to preventing future conflicts. The day also allows younger generations to learn about the impact of World War I, fostering a sense of responsibility to work toward peace. As a day of remembrance and reflection, Wapenstilstandsdag serves as a bridge between generations, uniting people from different backgrounds in a shared commitment to a peaceful future.