At the 11th hour of the 11th day of November in 1918, the First World War - 'The War to End All Wars' - ended; this day is known as Armistice Day. The 11th of November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of this day. 18,200 New Zealanders died and 41,300 were wounded. Let’s take this opportunity to remember the millions of people worldwide who lost their lives in the First World War, and remember how horrible this event was — in the hope that such large-scale war never happens again.
World War One was the first modern war that made use of modern advancements in technology and machinery. This led to wholesale destruction across greater Europe, Northern Africa, and areas of the Middle East that would sow the seeds for not only World War Two, but the years of conflict in various parts of the world to come. Working class people from all around the world were conscripted to fight in World War One, in what was almost certainly an invitation to go die on foreign soil for an empire.
In remembering the 100th anniversary of the end of The Great War, let’s remember the human cost of war, not just for the soldiers involved, but for entire communities, cities, and the generations that came after.
So at 11 a.m., on the 11th day, 11th month, let’s not glorify this tragedy, but remember the lives and generations lost to it.
Get involved with these events across Christchurch and Canterbury
- Armistice Day centenary People are invited to gather at the Bridge of Remembrance at 11am on Sunday to mark the centenary of the end of World War I. Read more at Newsline: Lest we forget: Armistice Day centenary
- Armistice Concert For Peace, Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Ave: Sunday 11 November, 10:45am - 1pm
- Harewood WW1 Centenary Service, Harewood School, 721 Harewood Rd: Sunday 11 November, 10:15am – 11:15am
- Akaroa Armistice Service, Akaroa Memorial, Rue Lavaud, Banks Peninsula: Sunday 11 November 2018, 10:50am
- Witch Hill Armistice Celebration, Witch Hill Memorial, Summit Road<, Banks Peninsula: Sunday 11 November 2018, 9:30am – 1:00pm
- Armistice Day Parade and Hall Opening, Lakeside Soldiers Memorial Hall 164 Harts Rd, Leeston, Canterbury: Friday 30 November 2018 10:30am – 12:30pm
At the Field of Remembrance in Cranmer Square, a field of white crosses marks the centenary of the Great War. 4389 crosses and one Star of David depict the heavy losses suffered by Canterbury families.
Armistice Day and the First World War
Web pages
- Armistice Day
- First World War 1914 to 1918
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First World War digital collection
Our digitised First World War resources includes diaries, letters, booklets, and memorabilia.
Books
- From The Trenches: The Best of World War 1 ANZAC Writing: A collection of letters and other writings written by ANZAC soldiers during and about WW1
- The library also has heaps of wonderful books on World War 1 to borrow.
eResources
Britannica
Online and interactive version of Encyclopædia Britannica. All branches of knowledge are covered in this resource aimed at older students and adults. You will require a library membership to access:
- Remembrance Day: An Article on Remembrance Day, the British Public Holiday that has its origins in the original Armistice Day celebration in 1919.
- World War 1: The Britannica online article on World War 1
- World War 1: A good comprehensive overview of World War 1 and its background.
Armistice Day and the First World War resources for kids
Britannica Kids A great resource to help kids with homework and other school work.
- Remembrance Day: An Article on Remembrance day designed for kids.
- World War 1: The Britannica Kids article on World War 1
World Book Kids Online encyclopedia with short and easy to understand articles.
- Remembrance Day: World Book Kids' article on Remembrance day
More Armistice Day and the First World War resources
Armistice Day is the last day of the Canterbury Museum exhibition Canterbury and World War One: Lives Lost, Lives Changed.
Canterbury Museum has launched an online version Canterbury and World War One: Lives Lost, Lives Changed.Canterbury Museum Acting Director Jennifer Storer says this will give visitors ongoing digital access to content and stories after the physical exhibition closes on Armistice Day, 11 November.
The New Zealand history page on Armistice Day, World War 1, and Māori and the First and Second World Wars
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