More details of a national day of commemoration on August 4th 2014 to mark the Centenary of Britain’s entry into the First World War have been set out by the Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid.
Solemn services in London and Glasgow and a commemorative event at Mons in Belgium, scene of the first battle between the British and German Armies in 1914, will be built around the themes of remembrance, youth and education.
They’ll be attended by members of the Royal Family, together with senior politicians from Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Belgium.
Mr Javid, who leads the UK Government’s programme as Secretary of State for Culture said: “A hundred years on, the sheer scale and sacrifice of the First World War demand remembrance.
“Breaking with tradition, we are marking the start as well as the end of the conflict so that the anniversaries of the war will improve our understanding of its causes, conduct and consequences.”
August 4th events
Service for the Commonwealth at Glasgow Cathedral – 10.00am to 10.50am
Commemoration at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s St Symphorien cemetery in Mons, Belgium – 7.30pm GMT, 8.30pm CET, to 8.30pm GMT, 9.30pm CET
A Service of Solemn Commemoration at Westminster Abbey – 10pm to 11pm
How you can get involved
There will be similar events taking place across the UK in Anglican churches, including St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast and Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. Acts of reflection will also be held in places of worship of other denominations and faiths.
You can also take part in Lights Out, from your home or workplace, by switching off your lights from 10pm to 11pm, leaving only a single light or candle lit. This will be a UK wide moment of reflection which will mark 100 years since the start of the First World War. You can show your support for Lights Out by signing up to Thunderclap.
During the day you can stay informed of the different events taking place by following #WW1Aug4 on Twitter.
Information and images supplied by UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News