Scouts not only fought for their countries, but many served as humanitarian helpers and peace-keepers. Over the years, many stories have emerged of Scouts showing compassion to others, across borders and enemy lines. For example, Scouts in Austria managed to save British pilots that were shot down, hid some of them and lead them to the border to escape.

Today, World Scouting marks this day in order to remember the many Scouts that lost their lives, serving their country and communities.

In 2007, Scouting celebrates its Centenary and the fact that it has been working to build a culture of Peace for one hundred years now. To honour this occasion, Scouts worldwide have developed Gifts for Peace projects, which tackle local issues and make a difference in their local communities. Scouts in the Netherlands are working to create awareness in young people of the meaning of freedom and remembrance, to understand that freedom cannot be taken for granted and that this should commemorated.

For more information on the Gifts for Peace, visit www.scout.org/giftsforpeace