Remembrance Day Ceremony

Sir Alan Collins, KCVO, CMG, Her Majesty’s Consul General, officiated over a Remembrance Day Observance at the British Garden this week in memory of all those who had fallen in the “Great War” and all the wars since. Sir Alan spoke with eloquence and respect, without the aid of script.  

It was truly from the heart, and a most moving moment for all particularly his poignant reading of Flanders Fields. Precisely at the 11^th month, the 11^th day and the 11^th hour Sir Alan asked for two minutes of silence having reminded all that the two minutes of silence at that particular moment (11:00 am, 11 November) marks the time in the United Kingdom when armistace became effective in 1918.

Central to the day was the Laying of the Wreaths to honor the fallen. Pictured above are Camilla Hellman, MBE (The British Garden), James Thomas (St. David’s Society), William T. Maitland (St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York), Rodney  Johnson, MBE (St. George’s Society) and Australian Consul General Phillip Scanlan each of whom joined Sir Alan in placing a memorial wreath at the Garden.

Our Society was most proud to participate in such a memorable and solemn observance.  Musical Presentation was by the West Point Pipes and Drums and by members of the British Army Benevolent Fund.  Also heard was the wondrous voice of Ms. Jennifer Piacenti performing The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen. A Prayer For Peace and a Prayer For the Fallen were led by Rev. Dr. James Herbert Cooper, Rector of Trinity Church.

Your Society was most proud and privileged to have been invited to participate, and look forward to supporting this annual ceremony. SAS members Don Whamond Jr., John Anderson and Bill Maitland can be seen in the photo above at this week’s Remembrance Day.