South Africa observes Armistice Day

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

Armistice Day is observed annually in South Africa to commemorate the sacrifice of veterans and civilians in World War I. The day is observed world-wide, though under various names. In Malta it is also called Poppy Day. In Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom it is called Remembrance Day, in the United States Veterans Day, while France, New Zealand, and many other Commonwealth countries call it Armistice Day, which was the original name of the day internationally. WWI ended on 11 November 1918 with the guns stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This is why 11 November was chosen in 1919 as the day to remember war casualties.

Search events by date

What happened on your birthday?

How we know this

01Lemhkuhl,A.,(2006),Two minutes of silence and Poppies,from Lemhhl home page,[online],Available at www.sa-transport.co.za [Accessed: 07 November 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). South Africa observes Armistice Day. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011417

South African History Online (2011) 'South Africa observes Armistice Day', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011417 (Accessed: 22 August 2026).

South African History Online, South Africa observes Armistice Day [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011417, (accessed 22 August 2026).

"South Africa observes Armistice Day." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011417. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "South Africa observes Armistice Day." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011417.