At the Cenotaph

Peter Troy in Whitehall



This morning in Whitehall the Queen led the nation in a service of memorial for British and Commonwealth war dead.
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Even before the cannons signalled the start of the two minutes silence (steadfastly observed by all present), there was a respectful hush amongst the gathered crowds, numbering some tens of thousands.

The respectful silence was in marked contrast to the rapturous applause given to over 8,000 older soldiers as they marched past younger generations.

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All my adult life and most of my childhood, I have watched the service on television but up until today, had not attended the ceremony at Whitehall. The service remains unchanged for decades, it is meaningful, moving and majestic. Like The Cenotaph itself, (designed by Edward Lutyens in 1920), the service is simple yet poignant.

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Lest we, as a nation, forget our History.

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Below are some images of the day.
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Reflecting on the day, left March past by the Ghurkas, right.

Korean War veteran, Ron Wells, at his 22nd Cenotaph march.
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. Left and above, a very British service, tea for all.

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.Real ale at the Red Lion, Whitehall.