British embassy holds three remembrance services
Events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai mark 100th anniversary of end of First World War
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The British Embassy organised three Services of Remembrance in the UAE this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
In Abu Dhabi, the British Embassy and the Church Council of St Andrew’s Centre held a service open to members of the public on Sunday morning.
The service was led by the Reverend Andy Thompson with Arch Deacon Christopher Futcher of Diocese of Exeter also taking part. The service was attended by the ambassadors of more than 20 countries that took part in WWI. There was readings from ambassadors from the UK, the US and Canada.
In Dubai, the service, which was led by Reverend Tim Heaney, was held on Sunday evening at the British Embassy, with hymns performed by the Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) Chamber Choir. The services, which commemorated all those who gave their lives in conflict, including the two World Wars, were attended by veterans of the Second World War and members of the diplomatic, Commonwealth, British and local communities in the ■ ■ UAE. A two-minute silence was observed and wreaths were laid at both events.
Patrick Moody, UK ambassador to the UAE, said: “Every year on November 11 we pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year is of particular significance because it comes on the centenary of the end of the First World War. We are grateful that we are able to share these occasions with so many others from the community in the UAE — for whom these services are so important.”