Islamabad, 12 November 2022 (TDI): The diplomatic missions of European as well as other states observed Armistice Day on 11 November 2022. European Embassies in Islamabad paid tribute to the Soldiers of World Wars.
The French Embassy in Islamabad hosted the event on Armistice Day which was also joined by the German Ambassador, Alfred Grannas, and European Union’s (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, Riina Kionka.
German representative stated on the occasion “ I appreciate the invitation from the French Embassy to attend the Armistice Day service to remember those who died in battle.
Further evidence that peace cannot be taken for granted comes from the conflict in Ukraine. I’m glad that the European Union is still cooperating to defend our shared principles.”
While the Ambassador of the EU to Pakistan, Riina Kionka said “Honored to represent the European Union as the bigger framework that helped secure peace in Europe on Armistice Day 2022, a heartfelt memorial to the fallen.”
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins also visited Rawalpindi War Cemetery and paid tribute to Flying Officer GC Scott of the Australian Air Force, who passed away on April 18, 1944, at the age of 27.
He was buried in the Rawalpindi War Cemetery. The High Commissioner state that “We’ll remember them in the future.:
Armistice Day
Every year on November 11th, Armistice Day, also known as Veterans Day, is observed to remember the armistice that was signed at 5:45 am in Compiègne, France, between the Allies of World War I and Germany.
The Western Front Armistice of World War I became effective at eleven in the morning on November 11, 1918, the “eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
Also Read: European Day of languages 2022
However, the US First Division’s intelligence officer Thomas R. Gowenlock claimed that both sides’ shelling carried on for the rest of the day, ceasing only at dusk.
The armistice had to be repeatedly extended after its initial 36-day expiration date. Only after the Treaty of Versailles was signed was there a formal peace accord.
The day has been designated a national holiday in many Allies countries, including France. However, several Western nations and their allies have since altered the name of the event from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day.
With the United States government choosing Veterans Day and Commonwealth of Nations members choosing Remembrance Day, Armistice Day coincides with other official holidays in various countries.
