Parliamentarians Mark First World War Centenary

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding:

We gather today as those to whom much has been given, and from whom much is expected. As we give thanks for the great gift of public service, we remember before God those who have died in service to their country in the two world wars and the many conflicts of the past century. With thanksgiving we recall service offered and sacrifices made.

We come with penitence for the destruction that war brings to individuals, families, and nations. We pray for all those, both civilian and military, who have died or continue to suffer the effects of combat. We thank God for the hard-won freedom from strife that we enjoy in this land. We pray God for a time when such sacrifice may never again be required. But we humbly ask that men and women might always be found who count their lives worthy above all because they serve the greater cause of justice and concord. Trusting in God's grace, we dedicate ourselves anew this day to creating a world in which healing, peace, and virtue flourish.

The Address was given by the Dean.

The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, read Micah 4: 1-3 and the Right Honourable The Baroness D'Souza, Lord Speaker, read Revelation 21: 1-6.

The Lord Speaker and the Speaker of the House of Commons laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior after the Two Minutes' Silence at 11.00am.

Intercessions were led by the Reverend Christopher Stoltz, Minor Canon and Sacrist of Westminster. Prayers were said by the Venerable Andrew Tremlett, Sub-Dean and Rector of St Margaret's, and the Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Steven Isserlis CBE played Sarabande from the Cello Suite V BWV 1011 by J.S. Bach on the 'trench' cello*.