Armistice Day was created to commemorate the end of World War I and to honor those who served and sacrificed in the conflict. It originated after the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918, at Compiègne, which ceased hostilities on the Western Front and effectively brought World War I to a close. The day was first observed to mark this end of fighting and to promote peace, with many countries adopting ceremonies, moments of silence at 11:00 a.m., and memorial services to honor veterans and the fallen. Over time, several nations expanded the focus from a WWI-specific observance to a broader remembrance of all military veterans, sometimes under different names (for example, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day in various countries).