New Zealand Embassy in Berlin Commemorates Armistice Day
A solemn remembrance of New Zealand’s high contribution and sacrifice in WWI
November 14th, 2024
On November 11th, the Embassy of New Zealand in Berlin observes Armistice Day, honoring the sacrifices and remember the profound impact of the First World War on New Zealand and the world. Known as Remembrance Day across the Commonwealth and Veterans Day in the United States, Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the armistice signed on 11 November 1918 at Compiègne, France, which ended the fighting between Germany and the Allied forces. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, silence fell over the battlefields of Europe, symbolizing hope after four years of relentless conflict.
For New Zealand, Armistice Day is a poignant reminder of the heavy toll the war exacted on its soldiers and citizens. Approximately 100,000 New Zealanders served overseas during the First World War—a remarkable commitment for a small nation. With a population of just over one million at the time, nearly one in ten New Zealanders served in the conflict, and tragically, over 18,000 never returned home. New Zealand’s war contribution included service across major battlefields, from Gallipoli to the Western Front, where soldiers fought under brutal conditions, enduring unimaginable hardships.
Today, Armistice Day continues to be observed with solemnity in New Zealand. Services are held nationwide, and a moment of silence is observed to remember those who gave their lives. The red poppy, an enduring symbol of remembrance, is worn as a tribute to fallen soldiers, and cenotaphs and memorials across the country serve as sites of reflection for communities to honor their history and heritage.
