Remembrance Day and Veterans Day

I think you agree that language and culture can't be separated. Learning some culture helps to improve your level of language and understand other cultures much better. That is why I thought it would be a good idea to tell you about Remembrance Day, celebrated in England on November, 11th. This day is celebrated in the Commonwealth countries, that is, the countries that are dependent on the United Kingdom, for example, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Why is that day celebrated ?

1. To commemorate and remember those who lost their lives during World War II, serving the UK.

2. To celebrate the end of World War II at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
The motto of this festivity is : Lest we forget (para que no lo olvidemos)

How do the people remember ? The most common thing is to carry poppies to the dead ones as you can see in the picture down below.

The remembrance poppy has become a symbol of peace and a way to remember those who have passed away. 

If you want to know more, I include this video to commemorate the lives of soldiers that gave their lives. Remember : lest not forget.

In America, however, they celebrate the Veterans Day and it is a public holiday.

Much like in the UK, in the US people remember the hard work and struggle of Veterans, that is, the people that have fought so hard for their homeland (the US). This day, parades and other events are organized, including a visit to the tomb of the unknowns. This streak of patriotism will never be taken lightly in the US. They believe in the system; they respect their soldiers and they like to thank them for their effort on this very special day. The president himself or one of his representatives lay a wreath of flowers to honour all the Veterans (living or dead).

Well, if you would like to practise your listening a little bit more, you can watch this video and answer the questions. Have a nice, long weekend.

P.S. There are some mistakes in the answers of the exercise, the correct answers being

1a, 2a, 3c, 4a, 5c, 6a