...in its history. No one was allowed into Whitehall to stand by the Cenotaph, except the central figures (Royals, Government/Opposition figures, military bands). The ceremonies went ahead, in the full traditional way, but...
We had decided to go, to be as near as we could, and stood in Parliament Square. Absolute silence and stillness at eleven o'clock struck. We could see nothing: there were not only barriers placed across the entrance to Whitehall, but screens to prevent even a glimpse of the Cenotaph. We could hear the music - the pipes with the traditional lament and the band with "O Valiant hearts"...
No signal, however, was needed to mark the Two Minutes Silence. As soon as Big Ben struck, all in the Square and in the surrounding area fell completely silent. No one moved. I have taken part in the ceremony over the years - accompanying my father to the Regimental service at Guildford Cathedral, walking in solemn procession to a local church as a London Borough councillor, and in Westminster Abbey with J's regiment...but this utter silence on this strangest of Remembrance Sundays was somehow the most moving and powerful of all.
Afterwards we walked towards St James Park and had some coffee ("takeaway only") from a pastry shop, and so on to Westminster Cathedral, and silent prayer. Later, a back through the Park to view the wreaths...and then home through the late afternoon...
No comments:
Post a Comment