Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor and thank military veterans for their service to their country. It is observed annually on November 11th in many countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Sweden, and Norway.
How Other Countries Celebrate Veterans Day
Each country has its unique way of celebrating Veterans Day. Here is the list of different countries:
1. Canada:
In Canada, Veterans Day is known as Remembrance Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. On this day, Canadians wear red poppies and participate in commemorative ceremonies, including two minutes of silence at 11 am to remember the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during World War I, World War II, and other conflicts. The ceremony usually includes the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, the national capital.
2. United States:
Veterans Day in the United States is celebrated on November 11th each year. It honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day is marked with parades, memorial services, and other events across the country. The president of the United States traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and many schools and businesses close in observance of the holiday.
3. United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom, Veterans Day is known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. The day commemorates the end of World War I, as well as the sacrifice of British and Commonwealth military personnel who have died in conflicts since that time. At 11 am, a two-minute silence is observed, and the Queen lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in London. Poppies are also worn to symbolize the sacrifices made by military personnel.
4. France:
In France, Veterans Day is known as Armistice Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. The day commemorates the end of World War I and the sacrifices made by French soldiers during that conflict. A wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The French president also lays a wreath and leads a military parade down the Champs-Elysées.
5. Belgium:
In Belgium, Veterans Day is known as Armistice Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. The day commemorates the end of World War I and the sacrifices made by Belgian soldiers during that conflict. A ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Brussels, which includes the laying of wreaths and the playing of the Last Post. Belgian school children also participate in a special ceremony where they lay flowers on the graves of soldiers in their local cemeteries.
6. New Zealand:
In New Zealand, Veterans Day is known as Armistice Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. The day commemorates the end of World War I and the sacrifices made by New Zealand soldiers during that conflict. A two-minute silence is observed at 11 am, and wreaths are laid at war memorials across the country. Poppies are also worn to symbolize the sacrifices made by military personnel.
7. Australia:
Australia Veterans Day is known as Remembrance Day, and it is observed on November 11th each year. The day commemorates the end of World War I and the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during that conflict. A ceremony takes place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, which includes the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, and a minute of silence. Poppies are also worn to symbolize the sacrifices made by military personnel.
8. Germany:
Germany Veterans Day is known as Volkstrauertag or “people’s day of mourning,” and it is observed on the second Sunday before Advent. The day is a time for Germans to remember the victims of war and violence, including soldiers and civilians. The national ceremony takes place in Berlin at the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Tyranny. Wreaths are laid, and speeches. Learn more
9. Italy:
In Italy, Veterans Day is known as Giornata dell’Unità Nazionale, della Costituzione, dell’Inno e della Bandiera or “Day of National Unity, Constitution, Anthem, and Flag,” and it is observed on November 4th each year. The day commemorates the unification of Italy in 1861 and the adoption of the Italian Constitution in 1947. A ceremony takes place at the Altare della Patria in Rome, where a wreath is laid and the national anthem is played.
10. The Netherlands:
In the Netherlands, Veterans Day is known as Nationale Herdenking or “National Remembrance Day,” and it is observed on May 4th each year. The day commemorates the Dutch soldiers who have died in conflicts since the start of World War II. A two-minute silence is observed at 8 pm, and a wreath is laid at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam. On May 5th, the Netherlands also celebrates Liberation Day, which marks the end of Nazi occupation during World War II.
11. Nigeria:
In Nigeria, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed on January 15th each year to commemorate the sacrifices made by Nigerian military personnel in various conflicts. A ceremony takes place in Abuja, the capital city, where wreaths are laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The day also includes a parade and a church service.
12. Sweden:
In Sweden, Veterans Day is known as Försvarsmaktens dag or “Armed Forces Day,” and it is observed on the first Sunday in September. The day is a time for Swedes to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military personnel, both past and present. A ceremony takes place at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where the king and other officials lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Military displays and demonstrations also take place across the country.
13. Norway:
In Norway, Veterans Day is known as Veteransdagen or “Veterans Day,” and it is observed on May 8th each year. The day commemorates the sacrifices made by Norwegian military personnel in various conflicts. A ceremony takes place at Akershus Fortress in Oslo, where a wreath is laid at the National Monument. The day also includes a parade and other events across the country.