More than a centery after the end of the Great War, the commemorations are still a hightlight for our territory and for more than twenty countries whose nationals fought in the Somme.
Every year at the same date, locals and visitors from all around the world come together for poignant and moving ceremonies so as not to forget the legacy left by the soldiers.
We have a duty of Memory. Lest we forget !
Every year, the ceremony for the victim animals takes place in the Animals Memorial in Pozières. This International Day of tribute also takes place in Australia, New-Zealand, America, Canada and United Kingdom.
The organisation of this ceremony is managed by the Digger Cote 160 Association, to pay tribute to animals which falls in 14-18.
The Anzac Day is a commemoration day which takes place every year on April 25th at Villers-Bretonneux, at dawn. You have to be very early to attend.But it's worth it! Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders come together every year to pay tribute to their soldiers.
ANZAC means « Australian and New Zealand Army Corps » and this day pays tribute to the members of the armies forces that fought during the First World War.
The Anzac Day is marked by few ceremonies and traditions, and in particular :
• The Dawn Service : ceremonies that takes place in the dawn, which remember the time where the Anzac forces have landed to Gallipolli. These services include generally prayers, hymns, the recital of the Prayer of Remembrance and a minute of silence.
May 8th is an important date in France and in other countries marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.
This day, often called « The Victory Day » in Europe or « VE Day », commemorates the capitulation of the Nazi Germany and the end of the fights in European continent in 1945.
Historical context
On May 8th, allied forces, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union and France, achieved the unconditional surrender of Germany. This event puts an end to six years of war in Europe, marked by intense fighting, massive destruction and immeasurable human suffering, notably with the Shoah and the millions of civilian and military victims.
Commemoration ceremonies
In France, May 8th has been a public holiday since 1981, allowing citizens to participate in various commemoration ceremonies. The events, which are found in each municipality generally include official speeches, laying of wreaths, minute of silence and military parades.
11:00am : Tribute to Bell Soldier at Contalmaison
5:00pm : Commemoration at the Leeds and Bradford Pals English Memorial, in Bus-les-Artois.
In France, the 1st of July is particularly commemorate in memory of the Battle of the Somme, one of the most murderer of the First World War, which started on July 1st 1916. This battle involved British, French and Commonwealth forces against the German Empire and caused hundreds of thousands victims.
The commemorations of the Battle of the Somme in France, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers, holds special significance and continues to be a time of reflection and celebration for current and future generations.
Programm :
7:15am : Sunken Lane, Beaumont-Hamel
7:28am : Locknagar Crater, La Boisselle
9:15am : Cairn, Contalmaison
10:30am : Memorial of the Missing, Thiepval
2:30pm : Ulster Tower, Thiepval
4:00pm : Newfoundland Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel
5:00pm : German Cemetery, Fricourt
6:15pm : Rendezvous on Emile Leturcq Space, in Albert, start at 6:30pm
November 11th is a significant date in many countries, particularly in France, because it commemorates the Armistice of 1918 which ended the First World War. This day, often called "Armistice Day" or "Remembrance Day", is dedicated to the memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the war and to recognition of the sacrifices made.
Historical context
On November 11th 1918 at 11am, the armistrice was signed between the Allies and Germany in a train carriage in Rethondes, France, ending the fighting of World War I. This conflict, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, caused millions of deaths and injuries, profoundly marking the 20th century with its scale and brutality.
Commemoration ceremonies
Every year, on November 11th, ceremonies are organised in France and other countries to commemorate the Armistice and pay tribute to the soldiers who fell in battle. Here is how these ceremonies generally take place : officials speeches, laying of wreaths, minute of silence, reading messages and names and military parades and religious ceremonies.