En route to the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph on Sunday 14 November we were stopped at the police barrier before driving along the Mall. I showed my Invitation to the security officer on duty and explained that I was from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before she ticked my name off her list she gave a big smile, punched the air and exclaimed, “Yes!” I didn’t have chance to ask why but she was obviously very pleased that the Church is represented at the Cenotaph. I consider it an absolute privilege to be representing people like her and the thousands of other Church members around the UK as we all remember the sacrifice of those who have given so much for the freedom we enjoy today.
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Jane Elvidge outside 10 Downing Street with several of the faith and belief attendees.2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.After arriving at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, those of us attending the service were able to chat informally before going out onto Whitehall. It was good to meet with members of the other faith and belief communities and to share stories of what we have been doing over the past year. I learnt that Immam Monawar Hussein, Muslim Chaplain to the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, had just recently been at an AGM for an Interfaith group at one of our Church’s chapels in Oxfordshire.
Just before 11’o’ clock, we lined up and walked out to take our places surrounding the Cenotaph. As the service proceeded, we had the opportunity to remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country during the two World Wars and in other conflicts since then. A prayer led by the Lord Bishop of London reminded all of us to “give and not to count the cost.” We all felt saddened as we sang the National Anthem because Her Majesty the Queen, who has given so much for our country, was not in attendance due to ill health.
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Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Last year when Covid restrictions were in full force, it had been uncertain if the Service of Remembrance would take place, so it was heart-warming to see the crowds once again surround the Cenotaph and it was also good to see service personnel and their families once again joining in the March Past that followed the service.
After the service, several of the faith and belief attendees stood together for a photo, including representatives of the United Hebrew congregations of the commonwealth, the General Assembly of the Unitarian and Free Churches, as well as the Methodist, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Baptist, Zoroastrian, Spiritualists’ Union, the Baha’i and Humanist communities. We acknowledged that although we may worship in different ways, we are very much united by our common aim of helping others especially those who are suffering. It was wonderful to be with other like-minded individuals and to be reminded that when we focus on creating a “spirit of love and cooperation that transcends differences and connects us as children of God” (The First Presidency, JustServe Guidebook, June 2020) we can all work together to make the world a better place.
