The Cenotaph today.

As the years roll by I feel the annual Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph has an even deep poignancy. Its also the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1. In addition I'm now 71 so the years are passing by. Nevertheless one thing I have noticed is that the London plain tress are still in leaf. In the past at this time of the year all the leaves would be on the ground and form a golden carpet, but not any longer. The simplicity of the ceremony and occasion is also what stands out. The mass bands of the various regiments, the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh - still at 93 standing straight as ram rod, and other members of the royal family. The Bishop of London with his rich mellifluous voice saying loud and clear the Lords's Prayer in the company of many hundreds in this assorted congregation. As we contemplate with sadness and thanks those we have lost through battle - this is a solemn national day. My great uncle Arthur Atkinson was killed aged 28 on 23 September 1916 serving in the Nottingham Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers) in Salonika. As the poet Lawrence Binyon's poem For The Fallen says in 1914 'we shall remember them'.