Respects paid at Remembrance Day service

On Remembrance Day Sunday, the British Community held a well-attended service in the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The affair commenced with the Argentine national anthem and 'God save the King', followed by introductory remarks by Anglican Bishop Brian Williams, who prayed for those who suffered and perished in wars.

The service featured three Bible readings: one delivered by British Ambassador David Seldon Cairns, another by his Embassy's Defence Attaché, Group Captain Sally Cawdery, and the final by British Hospital Matron Carolina Giuffré. These readings were interspersed with the hymns 'Abide with me' and 'O valiant hearts'.

Methodist pastor Carlos Amarillo delivered the sermon, a role typically assumed by clergy of British birth or origin. However, Amarillo's lack of such family connection made his words spiritual rather than familial. His closing statement, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," encapsulated the essence of sacrifice.

Following the hymn 'This is my song', the Poppy Day service entered its core - the Royal British Legion's Act of Remembrance. The exhortation "They shall grow not old" was read by the British Embassy's Deputy Defence Attaché Major Alexander Major, the Last Post was played by Major Alexander Major, and the Kohima Epitaph "For your tomorrow we gave our today" was read by the American Legion's Victor Honoré.

Wreaths were placed by Cairns and United States Ambassador Peter Lamelas, while Alan Oliver performed the Scottish lament "The Flowers of the Forest" on the bagpipes.

The service concluded with the congregation committing to strive for peace, followed by the Lord's Prayer, the final blessing, and 'Amazing Grace'.