We will remember them

I have always wanted to go to London to see the Remembrance Day service. So, on the 100th year anniversary of the start of the first World War, Ali and I trundled to London at 7am on a Sunday. The train was full of silver haired people, wearing medals and their military branded jackets. The journey to Whitehall had a first, somebody lit up a cigarette on the tube! We reported them, who does that.

Big queue to get into Whitehall, through security gates like the airport ones. We had a long wait. The service started at 10:30 and we were in London at 8am, but it meant we were right at the front of the barriers and had a great view looking down Whitehall. Unfortunately, not long after, people were muttering "short ones should be at the front, tall people at the back. I wanted to reply "I can't control my height, but you can control what time you arrive". Try standing thee for 3 hours in advance of the service.

As soon as the bands started to play, I had goosebumps. Remembrance Day service always reminds me of playing in the band, it was an annual event that we played at. We were given an order of service by the scouts. We could see the cenotaph and the dignatories arrive. Big Ben chimed, it was time for the 2 minute silence. It was eerily quiet, you could only hear birds singing, it was so poignant.

A cannon marked the end of the silence, the royal family and dignatories added their wreaths. We had a short service, then say 'Oh god our help in ages past' and then the National Anthem. The parade started, it was incredibly emotional, people of all ages, wearing their or their family medals. The chelsea pensioners, Gherkas, paras, marines, the distinctive hats of the polar regiment, the scouts and guides. The lady next to Ali said "The Scouts always look better than the Guides". I Was about to have a long discussion....

Such a emotional day, wouldn't have missed it for the world, but it took me about 6 hours to warm up.