Lest we forget

Lest we Forget

In Britain, Remembrance Day is observed on the Sunday before the 11th of November.  We had the honour of attending the Canadian Remembrance Day ceremony at the Canadian War Memorial just outside Buckingham Palace in Green Park.

A poignant ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Gordon Campbell and BGen Overton.  This year observes the 100th Anniversary of of WWI.  By keeping acts of remembrance we  honour those who fought for the precious freedom we enjoy today.  

Adrian looking official

Delisa looking poppy-ish.  

Padre Zibby 

The service

Chelsea Pensioners

Reflecting on the day

The laying of the wreaths.  

Remembering
our recently fallen

The bagpiper

The Canadian High Commission hosted a reception after the ceremony where we met the Chelsea Pensioners.  E was pretty taken with these fellows.  She was also keenly on the hunt for more hors d'oevres.  Being well trained, she also brought extra for Mommy.

E with a Chelsea Pensioner.  They're the celebrities of any official event in England!

E about ready to hold court.  Or find a good read on the shelves behind her.

Shhh! Don't tell anybody, but I found some change under these cushions!

E with His Excellency Gordon Campbell.  "Psst. Maybe you could hand over extra change in the sofa for those renos at Canada House in Trafalgar Square".

To mark the 100th anniversary of WWI, the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red are on display at the Tower of London.  There are 888,246 poppies each representing a British fatality during the war.  It is a very moving and beautiful installation.  Despite pleas and petitions, the installation is only extended until the end of November.  We had the fortune to see it this summer.  

Poppies filling the moat

We will remember them.