Armistice Day

Armistice Day (Jour de l'Armistice), observed on November 11, is a day of commemoration in Europe and Commonwealth countries, including Canada, France, and Belgium, to honor those who sacrificed their lives in World War I and other conflicts. In France, it is also known as the "Anniversary of the 1918 Armistice" and has been celebrated as a tribute to all fallen soldiers since 2012.

Across France, official ceremonies are often held at local war memorials, including parades, flag-raising, speeches, and moments of silence. Traditionally, two minutes of silence are observed at 11 a.m. on November 11, marking the exact time the armistice took effect in 1918. 

In Fontainebleau, There is usually a commemoration beside the local war memorial, inaugurated in 1923 by Marshal Joffre. Located at the cemetery entrance, the memorial was originally planned for the square where Fontainebleau’s soldiers departed for war but was moved to the cemetery. This choice symbolizes both their departure and, sadly, their often diminished return.