Remembrance Sunday, Soviet War Memorial, London

[ade stevenson]

Hi Guys, for the past few years our re-enactment group, 2nd Guards, has provided a standard bearer and laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday.

The Arctic Convoy Veterans and the RAF - Russia Association are always present.

First pics show the programme.

Cheers, Ade.

[ade stevenson]

Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko speaks at Remembrance Day ceremony (Soviet War memorial, Imperial War Museum, 10 November 2013)

Lord Mayor

Your Excellences

Dear veterans

Ladies and Gentlemen

Today, on the 10th of November 2013, we honor and remember members of the Russian and Soviet armed forces who fought heroically and sacrificed their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

The First World War or Great War became known as “the war to end all wars”, but in 20-years time World War II broke out. It was only then, that the world drew the right conclusions and created a universal collective security system, based on the United Nations. Still, the ideological confrontation of the Cold War distorted its operation. The perceived geopolitical imperatives led to many military conflicts or stood in the way of international effort to help resolve peacefully a number of domestic and international conflicts. It is only now, that the international armed community can make full use of the peace-keeping potential of the United Nations.

It has been a consistent policy of New Russia to eliminate use of military force in world politics. We did it at all times, including by convening the two Hague Conferences at the turn of the century and by way of disarmament initiations at the time of the Cold War. We strongly believe that political, negotiated solutions have no realistic alternatives. This explains our position on the events in the Middle East, including the Syrian crisis.

We need to pause our busy lives and take a moment to consider horrifying cost of conflicts in the past and understand the very reason why we should work hard towards making the world a better place free of the scourge of war.

Thank you.

[ade stevenson]

Our group. I had the honour of laying our wreath.

[ade stevenson]

The standards.

Rt. Hon. Simon Hughes MP speaking in the background. I always think he gives a good speech here and was a supportor of our Arctic Convoy Veterans getting the medals they deservered.

BTW, an example of the new Arctic Star is now on it's way to Russia by Sea to be put on display in the Moscow Museum of the GPW.

Cheers, Ade.

[Al-muell]

Congratulations. It is always an honour to become a crucial part of the official celebrations.

[PaulR]

I am envious of your taking part in such an important ceremony. Thank you for helping ensure that these men and women receive the recognition they deserve.

[ade stevenson]

Thanks Guys for all the comments and likes.

Our group will be attending the Memorial again on Holocaust Memorial Day on Jan 27th 2014 and of course on Victory Day May 9th 2014.

Cheers, Ade.

[CtahhR]

A bit late here but I observed something strange this Remembrance Sunday.

I had just got into the pub after attending the local Cenotaph (About 11.15am) and I noticed on the BBC broadcast of events in London a British recipient of the Georgian 65th Anniversary Medal. I believe he had a pair of British Medals too but he was certainly not an elderly veteran. When I get time to watch back the broadcast I'll see if I can get a screenshot.

As for 2014, I'll be on Omaha Beach for the 70th anniversary, not very "Soviet" but certainly a very significant event in world history.

[ade stevenson]

I would be interested to see that.

We will be at the Memorial on Monday morning for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Cheers, Ade.

[ade stevenson]

Hi Guys, as promised our group was at the Soviet War Memorial in London for this event. Being a week day there was just 4 of us in attendance.

I will add a link to my friend Sigita's photo site as she has uploaded a lot of great pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigita_...7640244018233/

Cheers, Ade.