11 November 2011

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, UK, and other commonwealth countries. The US calls this day Veteran’s Day. In Hungary, there isn’t a day that is exactly similar. A few of the national holidays in Hungary are in memory of a revolution (15 March or 23 October) or are to honour those who have passed on (1 November).

Its strange that for so many years of my life, this day has represented the memories of those who have served for our country, and yet today, in Hungary, life goes on as normal. I remember, it was even stranger when I was in the Netherlands because 11 November is the start of carnival – completely the opposite to the feeling half a world away.

On a happier note, today is the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011. And it will be the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the day when I post this. Many people consider 11:11 a good time to make a wish and the fact that today is 11/11/11, makes the wish even more powerful.

So what is today to you? Is it Remembrance Day? A day to make your wish come true? Or just an ordinary day? What does this day mean to you?