Twitter Celebrates Armistice Day With Silence Before Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day is the American equivalent of Armistice Day, founded at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, back at the end of World War I in 1918. Twitter celebrated the solemn occasion in the UK by reserving two minute of silence at 11:00 in the morning on Armistice Day. The touching moment of silence is a tradition that many people around the world observe at the same time each year. It’s no surprise that with today’s social media culture, Twitter would be part of this year’s solemn observation of fallen soldiers of war. In 1954, Veteran’s Day expanded the notion of honoring all veterans, living and deceased, from all wars, not just World War I.

The moment of silence was not without any drama. Unfortunately, an automated tweet was scheduled by the UK Parliament Twitter account, and it sent a reminder about child abuse conferences during the two minutes. Although many were disgusted by the faux pas of breaking the moment of silence, Parliament quickly tweeted an apology and explanation about the automated tweet incident.

We regret that a scheduled tweet coincided with today’s silence. We will ensure that this does not happen again.

— UK Parliament (@UKParliament) November 11, 2014

In America, Veteran’s Day is a day to reflect on the many sacrifices that soldiers make during war and throughout their military service. As a volunteer soldier, today’s soldiers survive warfare and put themselves in harm’s way, returning home with physical wounds or not returning at all. LA Times adds that from blindless to amputations, veterans also suffer mental and emotional injuries while fulfilling their duties. It makes sense that Armistice Day evolved in the US to cover veterans of all ages and times in history, since all around the country businesses actively celebrate Veteran’s Day by offering vets discounts, freebies and a variety of simple recognitions to express gratitude.

Being a veteran is difficult, especially with unemployment rates being high for returning soldiers and mental health issues affecting them and family members. Whether it is a moment of silence on Twitter for Armistice Day or a free coffee at the local store, little acts of recognition and thanks go a long way to make veterans, active and retired, feel their service had a purpose.

Inquisitr recently covered how Britain’s traditional poppy display was being expanded to make the ceramic poppy field last beyond Armistice Day. Similar movements are taking place in the United States, too. People want to know how they can honor veterans beyond the specially designated days.

Despite the minor error by Parliament earlier on Armistice Day, it’s clear that people unite to honor those soldiers on Veteran’s Day who have defended the various freedoms in these countries.

Former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt said, “Every poppy represents a life lost and a family shattered.” He also added that “The great thing about it is that people are engaged with this.” Referring to the thousands who show up each year and millions who participate in the actual process, Dannatt concluded that the poppy display is important to all people, regardless of political opinions about war or government.

(Photo courtesy of Reuters / Express. )

Similarly, Washington DC has some great events scheduled for Veteran’s Day, from the concert at the National Mall to the more somber wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It is also a great time to visit the nation’s must-see monuments and memorials for veterans of yesterday and today.

(Featured photo courtesy of Pamela Moore / Getty Images / About Travel. )