The Rest Is History 118. End of the First World War & Remembrance
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Nov 11, 2021 Explore the emotional reverberations of the First World War's end and the origins of Remembrance Day. Discover the poignant stories behind the Cenotaph and the Unknown Warrior, along with the symbolism of the poppy. Reflect on the arbitrary timing of soldiers' deaths and the evolution of commemorative practices, including modern rituals like the two-minute silence. Dive into historical connections and the ongoing complexities of honoring the fallen in a multicultural society.
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Kipling's "The Gardener"
- Kipling's "The Gardener" describes Helen Terrell visiting war cemeteries.
- She searches for her nephew's grave amongst countless others.
Shift in War Memorialization
- World War I commemoration differed drastically from prior wars like the Napoleonic Wars.
- Victorians began memorializing wars, but WWI's scale and citizen armies demanded unique remembrance.
Origin of War Graves Commission
- Fabian Ware, a Rio Tinto director, questioned how to handle the immense war casualties.
- This led to the Imperial War Graves Commission, advocating for equal treatment in graves.
