On The Eleventh Hour Of The Eleventh Day Quote
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the armistice agreement was signed, officially ending the First World War. This momentous event was marked by the ringing of church bells and celebrations across the world. It was also commemorated by a famous quote, which has become synonymous with Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Great War.
The Origins of the Quote
The quote “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them” was first used in a poem called “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon. The poem was published in the Times newspaper on 21st September 1914, just a few weeks after the outbreak of war. It was written as a tribute to the British Expeditionary Force, which had suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Mons.
The third stanza of the poem contains the famous quote:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
The Importance of the Quote
The quote has become an important part of Remembrance Day ceremonies, which are held every year on 11th November. It is often recited during the two-minute silence that is observed at 11am on that day. The silence is a tribute to the millions of people who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.
The quote is also inscribed on many war memorials and is often used in obituaries and other tributes to those who have died in service to their country.
Other Quotes from "For the Fallen"
“For the Fallen” contains several other famous quotes, including:
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Conclusion
The quote “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them” is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. It is a fitting tribute to the millions of people who lost their lives in service to their country, and it continues to be an important part of Remembrance Day ceremonies around the world.