Garden of Remembrance Service
4th November 2024St Pauls
It was with great pleasure that I joined other Livery Masters and City dignitaries at the Garden of Remembrance Service at St Paul's, the City's own version of the Cenotaph ceremony, to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country.
After breakfast in the Crypt, we made our way out to the Churchyard, where we were marshalled by the Beadles into the appropriate order of precendence, so that we could move forward and place our wooden crosses in the correct place.
Now organised by the City Livery Committee rather than the Royal British Legion, this year all 111 Livery Companies were represented, apparently the first time a 100% turnout has been achieved since the Livery Committee took over the running 4 years ago.
Fortunately, it was good weather conditions for staying silently in place whilst various prayers were said, a sermon delivered and the Last Post played. Hymns were also sung accompanied by the Band of the Scots Guards.
It is a most moving event and raises significant funds for the Royal British legion, so is deservedly a "must-do" event for Masters.