First World War Centenary commemorative events announced
7 May 2014 02:41 PM
Three national commemorative events to mark the
First World War Centenary will take place on August 4 this
year
The
events in Glasgow, Mons in Belgium, and London form a key part of the
Government’s centenary programme, and will take place across August 4th,
the 100th anniversary of the date war was declared.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:
The
First World War fundamentally changed the world. It also took the lives of
millions of people all over the world, and left still more with disabling
injuries. So it is absolutely right that we mark its centenary and that we put
remembrance at the heart of this commemoration. We have created a programme of
events that will help everyone in Britain, especially the young, understand and
appreciate what’s happened, and the ultimate sacrifice that so many made
during that time.
The
events
10am - Glasgow Cathedral Commonwealth-themed service and
Cenotaph service in George Square
Organised in partnership with Glasgow City Council, the
service led by Dr Laurence Whitley will reflect the Commonwealth contribution
to the war and will be followed by a wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph in
George Square where a commemorative plaque will also be unveiled. HRH The Duke
of Rothesay (as the Prince of Wales is known in Scotland) will attend. The
Cathedral service will be shown live in George Square, which will be open for
public access. Further details will be released in due course.
7.30pm (UK) – Commemorative event at the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons,
Belgium
This commemorative event for around 500 guests is
organised in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and will
be based around music, poetry and readings which reflect the unique history of
this site, where those who met in war now meet in peace. The land for St
Symphorien was given to the German army by a Belgian landowner on the condition
that the cemetery provide a suitable resting place for the dead from both sides
of the conflict and that all were buried with due respect. It contains the
graves of the first British soldier killed on the Western Front and the last
British and Commonwealth soldiers killed before the Armistice, along with the
first recipient of the Victoria Cross in the First World War. HRH The Duke of
Cambridge, accompanied by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge will attend this event
with HRH Prince Henry of Wales. Mons City Council will screen the event live in
Mons town square for members of the public wishing to be involved with the
event.
10pm – Candlelit Vigil at Westminster
Abbey
Westminster Abbey will be hosting a candlelit vigil and
evening of prayer and reflection. This will include the gradual extinguishing
of candles with the final candle being extinguished at 11pm the exact time that
Britain joined the First World War. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will attend
this service.
The
vigil will end with the cathedral in darkness except for a single light on the
grave of the unknown warrior. Anglican churches around the UK will also be
participating, along with other faith groups, to complement the event in
London, including services at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast and Llandaff
Cathedral, Wales. The event at Westminster Abbey will be by invitation
only.
The
cultural programme 14-18 Now will also be marking this moment between 10-11pm.
Further details of this will be unveiled in due course.
Further details about each event will be announced in
due course. Plans for media accreditation for each event will also be announced
at a later date.
Information about the First World War
Centenary