On VE Day it was more than an honour, it was a privilege, to be asked to attend the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, to join in an act of remembrance. To the British and Londoners especially St. Paul’s Cathedral is a symbol that epitomises the resilience of every day people that endured the Second World War. A symbol that grew from Sir Winston Churchill’s command to save it during the blitz when London burned nightly.
The service began with the presentation of the principal "Lamp Light of Peace" a symbol used to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). It's a specially designed lantern representing the sacrifices made during WWII. This gold-plated version will be used to light Tower Bridge later, and thousands of others will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
Joined by members of the Royal Family, Service Personnel, Emergency Services and ordinary Londoners it was a moving service.
For me the most unique part was the reading by Father McLean, a catholic priest, whose father helped plan operation OverLord to liberate Europe. His reading was an extract of the sermon given in 1945 about the St. Paul’s Watch that saved our Cathedral and symbol of London.
Today we took time to remember those that lived through that dark period and survived to create the freedom and life we have enjoyed. It was also a chance to remember those that gave their today for our tomorrow.
I hope many will mark this anniversary and remember with gratitude those who gave their lives in war that we might live in freedom. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten but should inspire us to seek peace and justice.
