World War One Armistice Day ceremonial remembrance
- 9 years ago
To mark Armistice Day, drawing the First World War to a close 96 years ago, French President François Hollande has laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
It is to remember when — to paraphrase historian Margaret MacMillan — ‘Proud, confident, rich Europe tore itself to pieces, in a war that started over a squabble for power and influence in the Balkans.’
Commemorative events are being held in many places, notably at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium.
The German invasion of neutral Belgium on 4 August 1914, in violation of international treaty, was the reason given by the British government for declaring war.
The disastrous Battle of Passchendaele was fought at Ypres.
It is to remember when — to paraphrase historian Margaret MacMillan — ‘Proud, confident, rich Europe tore itself to pieces, in a war that started over a squabble for power and influence in the Balkans.’
Commemorative events are being held in many places, notably at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium.
The German invasion of neutral Belgium on 4 August 1914, in violation of international treaty, was the reason given by the British government for declaring war.
The disastrous Battle of Passchendaele was fought at Ypres.