Armistice Day marks the effective end of the First World War and is commemorated across Europe and the United States every year on 11 November, when the countries remember the millions of lives lost.
German and Allied forces officially signed the Armistice agreement at around 05:00 on 11 November in 1918, following days of negotiations after heavy losses forced the Germans to accept an end to fighting.
The Armistice ordered both parties to terminate "hostilities on the Western Front, on land and in the air, within six hours of signature" – ushering peace into Europe "on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."
The document also ordered the "immediate evacuation" of German troops in invaded countries such as Belgium, France and Luxembourg "within 15 days following the signature of the armistice". It specified that German soldiers who failed to leave those territories within this period would be taken as prisoners of war.
Honouring the Unknown Soldier
Since the Armistice was signed, monuments were constructed in cities across Europe to pay tribute to those who died in the war. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was also erected to honour the unidentified soldiers.
In Belgium, this symbolic monument lies at the foot of the Colonne du Congrès, which celebrates the creation of the Belgian constitution and which is crowned by a statue of Leopold I, the first Belgian monarch.
On Armistice Day, commemoration events are organised throughout the country. Every year, Belgium's King Philippe takes part in a military ceremony in honour of the deceased of the First and Second World Wars, as well as soldiers killed in humanitarian and peace missions since 1945.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde during a World War I commemoration at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Laurie Dieffembacq
As well as the King, the Presidents of the House and Senate, the representatives of the Federal Government and the country's various governments will also be present during the ceremony, a press release by the Royal Palace stated.
In the city of Ypres, the scene of one of the war's bloodiest battles and also of the unofficial Christmas Truce between German and British soldiers, crowds usually attend a commemoration ceremony, during which army officers' rendition of the Last Post echoes through the Menin Gate war memorial.
What's open today?
As with other public holidays in Belgium, public and administration services will not operate on 11 November, and neither will banks. Postal services are also closed for the day, meaning no letters, packages or newspapers will be delivered.
Belgium's national railway service SNCB, bus service De Lijn and Brussels public transport company STIB will continue to operate during the bank holiday, but at a reduced Sunday service schedule.
As for groceries, the vast majority of supermarkets across the country – Aldi, Cora, Lidl, Makro and Okay – are closed today. However, most Carrefour and Delhaize supermarkets will remain open, as will some Intermarché and Spar shops, albeit with adjusted hours. Colruyt shops throughout the country will be closed, except for the branches on the coast.
Many shopping malls and retail shops across the country, such as City 2 and Docks Bruxsel, will be closed today. Most other stores, such as those on Rue Neuve in Brussels, will also be closed. But various smaller shops may open, depending on their management.
Most pharmacies will remain closed but for urgent needs and medication, people can contact the pharmacist-on-duty in their municipality. The nearest on-duty pharmacy can be found here.
Police services remain accessible at all times but district offices are closed, meaning they are not available for administrative matters. Those needing urgent police assistance should call the emergency number 112.
