11/11/2025
This day, the 11th of November 1918 at 05:45hrs, the Armistice was signed on a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne between the Allies and Central Powers, which came into effect at 11:00hrs the same day. The signing of this document ended hostiles on all fronts, Land, Sea & Air.
What many don’t realise, is that the actual peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, wasn’t signed till 28th June 1919. The treaty was later registered by the Secretariat of the League of Nations on 21st October 1919 which didn’t become effective until 10th January 1920.
At this point the war was not just physically over, but politically. A war that spanned the plains of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, China, Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic Ocean. With a combined estimated mobilization of nearing 70 million personnel, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 8.5 million, not forgetting the animals that perished in mass numbers throughout.
A war to end all wars, no matter a person’s creed or ideology, all sacrificed their health, wellbeing, safety and lives, with many making the ultimate sacrifice. For those whom made it back home, the world they once knew and lived in was a lot emptier, dealing with trauma they physically couldn’t see, for those whom perished, lives not yet fully lived. Wives, sweethearts, children, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers, homes all with empty rooms, holes left in their hearts and souls.
Everyone was impacted in some way due to the war. This day is our chance to remember all that answered the call to defend their homes, no matter who or how near and far.
We earnestly appeal to everyone, free up a moment of your time, and make your way to a war memorial, to cast your eyes upon these monuments and cenotaphs, to remember them and reflect on the hardships we know they suffered, the pain they endured and the peace we pray they now have.
