National Commemoration Day 10 July 2005, London
Several commemorative events to mark 60 years since the end of the most widespread and destructive conflict in history were held in central London, culminating in an historic flypast over Buckingham Palace on 10 July, 2005.
Note: I used public transport to attend the day's events, 3 days after the terror strikes. While my first journey on the tube was a slightly nervous affair (subsequent journeys were not), it made me think about the feelings and courage of those who faced far greater and sustained risks 60 years ago. We should look to their example and carry on - if we do this, then terrorism will not win. To all who participated in that conflict of 60 years ago, and whose actions still set an example to us today - thank you.
While this website concentrates on British Air Raid Precautions, the contribution and sacrifice of the civilian and fighting services of Great Britain and all her allies should in no circumstances be forgotten.
Below are a few photographs I took along the Mall and just outside Buckingham Palace during the day's commemorations. Please note that they are all strictly copyright and must not be used anywhere without my express prior permission!
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| A selection of historic vehicles on parade | |
The most important people - the Veterans' march-past
Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh - veterans themselves
Radio-controlled Guardsmen?
Royal flush - the balcony at Buckingham Palace
B17s flanked by B26s
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire
Lancaster Bomber dropping 1 million poppies on the Mall and Buckingham Palace