Remembrance

This morning my friend Susan and I attended a Centenary Commemoration to mark the beginning of the First World War.

On 4 August 1914, the British Empire declared war on Germany. On 9 August the British Expeditionary Force began embarking for France.

The Commemoration today was to remember the thousands of Scots, who fought and fell during the First World War. It was conducted in 3 parts; a Drumhead Service, a military procession and a memorial.

A Drumhead Service is a church service conducted on the front lines. Today's service replicated the service that would have taken place at Edinburgh Castle 100 years ago at the beginning of the war.

It was a religious service where both religious and non-religious people alike gave thanks for all those who have served for this country and prayed for everyone who suffers as a result of war today. But you don't need to be religious to join in these prayers.

We then all joined in procession down the Royal Mile, to recreate the marching off to war by new recruits. It was surreal being part of the procession down the Royal Mile, with spectators and fringe performers watching.

The procession ended with a memorial at Holyrood Park, where there is a replica Commonwealth graveyard. This is a shot of the graveyard. Each gravestone says:

A Soldier of the Great War.
Known unto God.
1914 - 1918.

It was humbling and an honour to be a part of the commemoration, to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices people made, and still make. Lest We Forget.