British Honor Fallen Servicemen

On November 9, 2014 the British preformed a ceremony to honor all of the fallen servicemen who have risked their lives for the sake of Britain. It was a particular important date in the country’s history as this year is the 100th anniversary of the start date of World War 1.  The British first joined World War 1 when the Germans invaded Belgium, who had already declared themselves neutral in the whole war. The British decided that they could no longer sit back and ignore the problems, so they declared war. 

The entire royal family was present at the ceremony and it really hit home with some of them as both Prince William and Prince Harry were/are active servicemen in the British army.  All the Princes laid wreaths on the tomb as their wives stood from a balcony above and watched on. The wreath laying was followed by a moment of silence which then ended with a single cannon fire and the Royal Marine buglers playing the Last Post. After the short service, the whole royal family followed behind the Queen as they left the memorial while the entire audience applauded them.

Prince Harry even paid his respects the the cause with an unplanned trip to Afghanistan where he laid a wreath there and read from the gospel before he joined his fellow servicemen for the a song performed by the Royal Artillery Band. This service was greatly appreciated by so many people in Britain who had family members or friends who spent time committing themselves to the service of the country. 

Hearing about this service especially hit home for me who has had countless numbers of family members who served in the military. My Dad was in the Navy, my Grandpa in the Marines and my other Grandpa was in the Army during the Vietnam War. The one family member who really makes me see the meaning of bravery was my Great-Grandpa who spent time serving in the military for the AirForce.

My Great-Grandfather was in World War 2 as a pilot, but sadly he wasn’t able to make it home. His plane was shot down while he was flying across the jungle and it wasn’t until years later that they were able to locate his body. This service that the British put on for the fallen servicemen was completely touching and I really wish that somewhere in the United States, we would have a ceremony like that.

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