Lest we forget

Colour Heroes began its journey with a range of educational history books 22 years ago this month. Our aim was to educate and inspire children to learn more about history in a fun and informative way. Our range of history books cover many genres and one of our most popular titles is our Heroes' History of The Great War 1914 - 1918.

Understanding why the world went to war and the consequences that followed is important for us all in raising awareness of the huge debt we owe to those who died. The book covers the causes, the types of warfare employed and events leading up to the final armistice after four shattering years of global combat.

The Importance of Armistice Day

Armistice Day is a day of remembrance for the end of the First World War and the lives lost in the conflict. It is observed on 11th November every year, the date and time when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918.

In many countries, Armistice Day is also known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day. It is a national holiday in France and Belgium and a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries. People often wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance and in respect for the fallen soldiers.

On Armistice Day, people usually observe a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. to honour those who served and were sacrificed in the war. There are also ceremonies and parades at war memorials and cenotaphs, where wreaths of poppies are laid. In Britain, beginning in 1939, the two-minute silence was moved to the Sunday nearest to 11th November. This became Remembrance Sunday. In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is commemorated formally but is not a public holiday. The National Service of Remembrance is held in London at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday with members of the royal family and senior politicians paying their respects, along with surviving veterans.

Armistice Day is an important occasion to reflect on the history and impact of the First World War, as well as to pay tribute to those who fought for peace and freedom. Since the end of the Great War, the day now includes remembrance of the men and women lost in wars since 1918, in particular the Second World War.

The many miles of gravestones are a poignant reminder of the millions of soldiers and civilians who died in the conflict between 1914 and 1918. The Great War involved many countries across almost all continents and it left a lasting scar on places and people. The act of remembrance and wearing your poppy helps us to remember the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who fought in this terrible war. The work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Royal British Legion and numerous other organisations helps to raise awareness of the huge debt of gratitude we all owe our war dead.

You can read more about this terrible conflict by purchasing our Heroes' History of The Great War 1914 - 1918 in our online shop.