Friday 01 August 2014
Monday 4 August 2014 marks 100 years since Britain entered the First World War. The centenary will be marked by ceremonies and events in Guernsey.
At 11:00 on 4 August, a service of commemoration will be held at the Sunken Gardens in St Peter Port. The service will include an address by The Chief Minister, Deputy the Revd Jonathan Le Tocq and will be attended by the Lieutenant Governor and the Bailiff. The event is open the public, but attendees are asked to note there will only be limited seating available. The service will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial.
The Chief Minister will be representing Guernsey at the 'Solemn Commemoration on the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War being held at Westminster Abbey' at 22:00. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall will represent Her Majesty The Queen at the ceremony, which will be broadcast on BBC Two. The Vigil will feature music, readings, poetry, and contemporary reflection, such as diary entries and letters from 1914.
In addition to these events, at 20:00 a Summer Music concert is being held at the Town Church featuring a programme of music and recitations commemorating the period of the First World War. It is free admission with a retiring collection. The concert will feature Casey-Joe Rumens (baritone) and Chris Atkinson (piano) together with readers of similar age as that of most soldiers of WWI presenting a series of songs and poems.
The Chief Minister said "It is an honour to be commemorating the sacrifice of so many, including the 1470 Guernsey residents that lost their lives and in particular to be able to do so both on the island and at Westminster Abbey. It emphasises for me the need for us to appreciate the freedoms and open democracy we enjoy, moreover to build on these hard-won liberties and seek always to find peaceful means of resolution wherever possible."
The Bailiff added "This is an opportunity for all of us to remember the millions of people who gave their lives in the cause of peace during the Great War. We are also mindful that in the present day men and women continue to make the supreme sacrifice in many conflicts throughout the world."
ENDS
