Memorial Day – Remembrance Days Around The World

This Monday, Americans will proudly hang their Star Spangled Banner, participate in re-enactments of the U.S. Civil War, watch highly decorated veterans, service men and service women parade across town, visit memorials of loved ones, and fire-up their BBQ. Memorial Day is a day of honor and remembrance for many Americans, as it was originally conceived to honor soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War.  Activities such as the placing small American flags on the graves of more than a quarter of a million gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery show the nations’ solemn and deep appreciation for those who fought for the country. American Memorial Day is just one of many Remembrance days across the world.

Volkstrauertag

The original German memorial day was meant to remember those who died in WWI, but it wasn’t largely celebrated until 1934, when the Nazis changed the meaning and declared it an official holiday called it Heldengedenktag, the Day of Commemoration of Heroes.  

By 1948, the country brought back the holiday with its original intent, and broadened its scope to include those who died due to the violence of an oppressive government, in addition to those who died in war. The occasion is commemorated two Sundays before Advent (the Sunday nearest 16 November).

Volkstrauertag, the national day of mourning, has also become a day of warning to remind us of the need for reconciliation, understanding and peace.  Today, on behalf of the federal government, the German War Graves Commission (The Volksbund) looks after the graves of about two million deceased in over 832 cemeteries in 45 countries. It is supported by over one million members and supporters and the federal government. Their motto: Reconciliation over the graves - Working for peace.

Dodenherdenking

The Dutch commemorate their fallen veterans on May 4 every year; although prior to 1961, Dodenherdenking was only meant to honor victims of WWII, but like most other countries , it now includes everyone. The Royal Family attends a ceremony held at the national monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam and the entire country stops for two minutes to pay respects to those who died in wars or peacekeeping missions. Interestingly, the next day, May 5th is Liberation Day in the Netherlands, which celebrates the day the Canadian army freed the Netherlands from Nazi occupation during WWII.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day, celebrated on April 25th, marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during WWl. The soldiers who fought during the war were known as ANZAC - Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national days for both Australia and New Zealand, and marks a rare instance of two sovereign countries sharing the same Remembrance Day, and making reference to both countries in the name.

By 1927, Anzac Day was established as a National Day of Commemoration for the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders who died during the war, and all the Australian states observed some form of public holiday together on Anzac Day. Several rituals are associated with the day—dawn vigils, marches, memorial services, reunions—became part of Australian Anzac Day culture.

To remember the hearts and souls of the Anzacs solders, many locals like to add a little rum to their coffee that day to honor the "gunfire breakfast" that many soldiers used to warm their bellies before battle, or play a game of “two-up”, an Australian gambling game, because it was one of the ways soldiers amused themselves.

“The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.” 

~Thomas Campbell 

Enjoy Language Translations for Real Life Blog

Discover our International Translation Agency and Localization Services

If you like this Fun Fact please share now! Thanks