U.K. honors war dead at ceremony
Public not allowed to attend amid shutdown
LONDON — In a scaled-back service, Queen Elizabeth II led tributes Sunday to those from the U.K. and the Commonwealth who perished in wartime, as most veterans paid their respects at home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 94-year-old monarch looked on from a balcony at a government building above the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London on the 100th year anniversary of the memorial’s installation following the conclusion of World War I. The Cenotaph was officially unveiled on Nov. 11, 1920, two years to the day after the armistice was signed that brought an end to hostilities.
Following a two-minute silence at 11 a.m., Prince Charles laid a wreath on the queen’s behalf during the Remembrance Sunday commemoration. Others, including Charles’ oldest son, Prince William and
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, also laid wreaths in honor of those who have perished in wartime. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including former prime ministers, were also present.
The public was unable to attend this year, with the event taking place during a second national lockdown in England, and was instead encouraged to take part in the two-minute
silence at home.
In other years, the commemoration is packed with thousands of veterans and military personnel. In Sunday’s service, there were less than 30 veterans in attendance and everyone present observed social distancing rules, though mask wearing wasn’t mandatory.
Though the service was very different, people up and down the land took time out to honor the war dead. Small services were permitted.
World War II veteran Seymour “Bill” Taylor, who turns 96 next
month, paid his respects outside his home in Colchester, northeast of London.
“It’s something that’s really special and it means an awful lot,” he said. “I shall remember it as a good day.”
Charles’ other son, Prince Harry, wasn’t present but spoke about what serving for his country in Afghanistan meant to him.
“Being able to wear my uniform, being able to stand up in service of one’s country, these are amongst the greatest honors there are in life,” Harry said in a podcast.