Remembrance Day - end of the First World War

November 11 - Remembrance Day - the end of the First World War. Initially, the event was widely celebrated in the West: in the countries of North America, Great Britain, France, but then the states of Eastern Europe also joined the celebration. Sometimes this day is called “Armistice Day,” etc. You can often see stars of the first magnitude, heads of state, prominent politicians, public figures and ordinary people who wear a red flower on their chest, symbolizing respect for the memory of soldiers who died in the First World War. It is to this date that this holiday originates. On November 11, 1918, the First World War, which is still considered one of the bloodiest, ended. In terms of the number of victims, it was surpassed only by the Second World War. In terms of the number of victims, but not in terms of the level of cruelty. It is known that it was during the First World War that military poisonous gases began to be actively used, which forced soldiers to die painfully, literally spitting out their lungs in parts. At that time, effective gas masks had not yet been invented; they appeared much later and precisely because of the uncontrolled use of toxic substances, which were subsequently, many decades later, recognized as unacceptable methods of warfare. Unfortunately, many countries were drawn into this bloody confrontation, including Russia. In 1914, a conflict began, where Germany, Turkey, Austria-Hungary took part, and on the other side the Entente took part: Great Britain, France, Russia. Over four years of bloody battles, more than 10 million people died. And only on November 11, 1918, the parties signed a reconciliation agreement. Because of the First World War, the political map of the world changed. Thus, Bulgaria and Türkiye lost part of their territories. The events also influenced the course of Russian history, since the war provoked mass uprisings in the Russian Empire, which actually led to the cessation of its existence. Interest in this date not only does not subside, but even increases over time, both from professional historians and from amateurs. And all because there are too many “blank spots” left, different versions of what happened are put forward, and the military strategy and tactics of the participating countries are subjected to in-depth analysis. There is also an opinion that the optimal option would be for the Russian Empire to refuse to actively participate in hostilities. One way or another, history knows no subjunctive moods, and the memory of this bloody event will live forever. The day of the end of the First World War was first celebrated in 1923 in France. At that time it was difficult to call it a full-scale Victory celebration, but a start had been made. It is known that in the capital of France, Paris, the practice of lighting the Eternal Flame in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was first introduced. Since then, this tradition has taken root and taken root in many countries around the world. So, on November 11 at 11:00 am it is customary to honor the memory of the victims with a minute of silence. Gradually, the tradition spread to commemorate the victims of World War II. It is believed that a minute of silence is a tribute to the memory of all the fallen soldiers who laid down their lives in both bloody wars. Of course, this event is celebrated more widely in Western European countries. On this day it is customary to hold numerous charity events. The money raised is used to reconstruct monuments dedicated to those events, and also to improve military burial sites. It is customary to remember all the people who in one way or another suffered from armed conflicts, for example, were forced to flee from their places of residence. Numerous historical societies popularize history on this day, and the television program schedule also changes. More historical programs and round tables appear in it, where not only the nuances of those conflicts are discussed, but, importantly, the problems of the modern world, since wars have become an inevitable component of human existence. It is also customary to hold memorial services in places of worship, regardless of religion. Christians, Muslims, Jews and representatives of many other religions remember their fallen co-religionists.