Remembering all who died in war

On Remembrance Sunday, today, parishes throughout the UK held Requiem Masses to remember all those who have died in war. At Westminster Cathedral, Canon Christopher Tuckwell was the principal celebrant at the Requiem Mass. He was joined by military chaplains. Present at the Mass were representatives from HM Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force, those currently serving as well as those who are retired. Among them was the Commandant General of the Royal Marines Martin Smith.

Opening the Mass, Canon Christopher said: "We come to remember all who have died in war: those who have gave their lives for their country as well as those who were victims of war. In this year marking the centenary of the start of the Great War, we remember especially those who died in the two World Wars. We also remember those who have died more recently, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Fr James Caulfield, Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain of the Royal Air Force, gave the homily. He invited the congregation to consider how we honour the dead: "The best way to honour the dead is to take care of the living," he said.

At the end of Mass, Canon Christopher led an act of remembrance for all who have died in the service of their country and of mankind.

Earlier in the week, on Friday 7 November, Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of the Forces, took part in a ceremony at King’s Cross to remember those railway workers who served in the First World War. In the ceremony which took place during the morning rush and witnessed by commuters, 100 serving and retired personnel gathered to greet East Coast Locomotive 91 111, named 'For the Fallen' and bearing a livery which pays tribute to those who served.

 Source: Archbishops House