66. Remembrance Service and Commemoration of the Fallen, St Paul’s Cathedral, 12 November 2023

On Remembrance Sunday the Lord Mayor, City Corporation and Masters of the Livery Companies joined together in St Paul’s Cathedral for a moving service.  The spirit of the event was introduced in the Bidding prayer:

We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations that all people may together live in freedom, justice and peace.

We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.

In addition to the beautiful singing of hymns and psalms we heard moving Bible readings by a Cadet from the City of London Academy, Islington and the Lord Mayor. In his address the Dean reflected on past and current international events before we prayed for the future:

Let us pray for the peace of the world: for leaders and governments, that they may have wisdom to know and courage to do what is right;

For all who work to improve international relationships, that they may reconcile humanity in all its diversity;

For men, women and children the world over, that they may have justice and freedom, and live in security and peace.

After the service we processed to the City of London War Memorial outside the Royal Exchange for a sombre laying of wreaths.

Eileen and I then joined other Masters and their families for a lunch in the Guildhall.  During the meal Mark Grove from Cook and Butler provided some historical context to the “Old Contemptibles”, the British Expeditionary Force in the First World War, and we were served our dessert of fruit crumble in mess tins.  In the warmth and comradery of the Guildhall it was a powerful reminder.