Honor troops around the world

On Sunday we will take a break and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have – and sometimes take for granted.

The memories of those who have been lost are preserved every year because they bring us important lessons for us today. Wars have terrible consequences on families for generations. In Canada, we chose November 11 at 11 am as the hour of silence and reflection – the day, hour and minute that marked the end of the First World War.

Although most countries honor their dead, whether related to the First World War or not, they can do it on days and even in different wars. Most countries recognize the importance of paying tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives to help them achieve freedom.

The Netherlands is such a country. It pays tribute to Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War, but its special day is May 4th of every year. This is the day when we credit Canadian soldiers for having freed from Nazi oppression. Hundreds of people are now resting in Canadian cemeteries on Dutch soil.

Every year, on May 4th, children are asked to place candles on every grave in Canada – so that, at a young age, they also appreciate the role Canada has played in helping the Netherlands become the prosperous country of Canada. 39; aujourd & # 39; hui.

One of my most memorable emotions was during my visit to the Holten Canadian War Cemetery three years ago. I asked a middle-aged man if his generation was of the same opinion as his elders about the Canadian effort.

He responded by telling me that his father had brought him to the cemetery once a year and had told him, "Look there, that's the only reason you have what you have today." 39; hui ".

While Canada's official day of remembrance is Sunday, the commemoration of July 1 in Newfoundland makes more sense.

During the First World War, years before Newfoundland became a Canadian province, soldiers fought under the British flag. On July 1, 1916, the first day of what is called the Somme offensive, 758 of its soldiers went to fight. At the end of the day, 90% of them were dead or dying.

As we celebrate Canada Day, many Newfoundlanders will come to Beaumont-Hamel in France, where they are still honored each year by the French. A bronze caribou, their battle mascot, watches over those below. It was erected to remind all the sacrifices made by this small province.

As November 11 falls on a Sunday this year, Britain will also commemorate Remembrance Day. However, in other years, it takes place on the first Sunday closest to 11 November.

In the United States, Memorial Day, which is always held on the last Monday in May, is the time when we remember most of the American soldiers who gave their lives. It recognizes those who have fallen in all conflicts dating back to the American Civil War, which remains the deadliest conflict in US history.

June 6, South Korea's Memorial Day, will commemorate the victims of the Korean War that began in 1950. A number of Canadians have also lost their lives in this conflict.

Nigeria, a member of the Commonwealth, also observed the commemoration on 11 November at a time. However, after the end of its brutal civil war, in 1970, the country changed it for January 15th.

Atomic bombs accelerated the end of World War II in Japan. The almost complete devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has turned the country into one of the most powerful opponents of the use of war instruments to settle disputes.

August 15, the day Japan returned to Allied forces, is known as the Day of Mourning for the dead of war and prayer for peace.

Russia also pays tribute to those who gave their lives during the Second World War. However, his commemoration day is May 9, a day after Victory Day in Europe in much of Europe. Ceremonies also take place that day in Israel, as well as in several countries of Eastern Europe.

The Battle of Gallipoli, which lasted nearly a year, was one of the most unsuccessful of the First World War for the Allies. For the combined Australian and New Zealander army corps, known as ANZAC, it was particularly devastating. But this marked the beginning of a national consciousness in these two countries, which would lead to the strong national identity for which they are respected.

In both countries, April 25, the day of the arrival of their forces in Gallipoli, commemorate the victims.

Turkey was an ally of Germany during the Battle of Gallipoli. This was part of the victorious side of the conflict, but many of his soldiers were also lost in the fighting. This country remembers its fallen soldiers on Martyr's Day, March 18 – the date of a key naval battle in the conflict.

The important day of observance in Italy is known as the Day of National Unity and the Armed Forces. It falls on November 4, marking the day of 1918 when the powerful Austro-Hungarian empire was defeated and surrendered to the Italian forces.

France will also commemorate Sunday Armistice Day. The Ring of Remembrance, which houses the largest WWI military cemetery in France – Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, near the battlefield of Arras, is one of the most powerful demonstrations of the war. Erected in 2014, it honors the 600,000 people, friends and foes, who died in the battles.

Their names are engraved in the circular monument to recognize the horrors of war for all nations.

Please, take the time Sunday to pay tribute to those who have left, but whose memories live in the freedom we enjoy today.

On November 16th, I will give a presentation on Athens and the Greek Islands at the Millennium Public Library at noon. There is no charge to attend and you do not need to pre-register.

If you want to track my Voices of Travel podcasts, you can subscribe to iTunes or Google Play. If you have questions about a trip that you would like an answer to, please contact me at [email protected].

Ron Pradinuk
Travel writer

Ron is a pbadionate traveler, having explored 65 countries around the world, as well as all provinces except one of Canada (Newfoundland).

Read the full biography