Today is November 11th, a public holiday in France. What is behind this date that has become historic in the history of France?
On November 11, 1918, precisely at 5:15 am, the Armistice was signed by the representatives of the Allies following a military victory against the German army.
France lamented at this time the loss of 1.4 million lives, leaving as many bereaved families, homes broken or never to be formed.
However, it was not until 1920, when the remains of an unknown soldier were placed under the Arc de Triomphe as a tribute to all the soldiers who disappeared during the First World War, that November 11th officially became a public holiday.
Since that day, the President of the French Republic pays respects, among other things, at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. Throughout these commemorations, the president and other officials wear a cornflower in their buttonhole. This national symbol towards veterans and war victims pays tribute to the “Poilus,” who called new soldiers by this name, in reference to their blue uniforms.
