The Great War

100 years ago, the world was plunged into the first total war. World War I, then known as the Great War, was sparked by the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand but it was the alliances that crisscrossed Europe that drove the war onward. On November 11, 1918, Germany agreed to an armistice, and ended the war.

 Photo: nativepakistan.com

Immediately, November 11th became a significant day in history. Around the world, people commemorate the end of the war by observing the 11th day of the 11th month as a holiday. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day in 1919 but it wasn't until 1938 that Congress proclaimed it as an official holiday to be observed every year in honor world. peace.

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At the end of World War II, which resulted in far more casualties than World War I, veteran Raymond Weeks proposed that Armistice Day be expanded to include all service men and not just World War I veterans. His idea was approved and eventually, November 11th became Veterans Day, a day to honor all who have served America in all wars and conflicts. The first celebration of Veterans Day took place in his home town of Birmingham, Alabama.

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While tomorrow is not the 100th anniversary of the end of the war or even the 100th anniversary of the first observance of Armistice Day, it is significant because 100 years ago, World War I was raging on. 100 years ago this week, the First Battle of Ypres was underway: both sides of the war were trying to gain control of northern Belgium near the sea. It resulted in the halting of the western front.

Photo: firstworldwar.com