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4th July Greetings

Wishing the BW family, and the USA generally, a great 4th July. Here’s a vid from 2001 that still brings tears to my eyes. It’s prompted by an awful, vicious attack, but serves to celebrate a genuine and enduring friendship. 

On the day after 9/11, at the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, something very special happened. The band of the Coldstream Guards played The Star Spangled Banner in tribute to those who had been killed and in solidarity with America. This was the first ever time another nation’s anthem had been played at the ceremony, which dates back to 1660, and was done so by the personal permission of the H.M. The Queen, who was in Balmoral at the time. 

Standing to attention were men of the Coldstream Guards and the 1st Bn. Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, taking the salute was H.R.H. the Duke of York (representing the Queen) and beside the Duke was U.S. Ambassador William Farish. Some 5,000 Americans were gathered outside the gates. There was a two minute silence and the band also played selection of sombre American music, including Hymn for the Fallen, written by the composer John Williams and used in the final credits of the film, Saving Private Ryan.

I’ve already written more than this vid needs, let it speak for itself. Love to the U.S.A. from the U.K., in the good times and the bad and have a great 4th July!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaH0vLf7NNk

3 replies on “4th July Greetings”

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