CHANGING OF THE GUARD HONOURS DEAD (IN HONOUR OF OUR ALLY)

ITN ^ | September 13, 2001 | ITN

[MadIvan]

A special Changing of the Guard ceremony has taken place at Buckingham Palace to honour those killed in the terrorist outrage in America.

In an unprecedented move, the military band played the American national anthem first. When they finished a large and emotional crowd burst into applause.

The Duke of York, representing the Queen, and US Ambassador William Farish stood solemnly side-by-side as others in a crowd of well-wishers - eight deep at the Palace railings - waved flags, clapped and cheered.

The two men stared grim-faced ahead as the anthem gave way to a two-minute silence.

Then the band from the outgoing Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards, played a selection of sombre US music.

It included Hymn for the Fallen, written by US composer John Williams and used in the final credits of the film, Saving Private Ryan.

The Queen could not make it as she was in Balmoral, Scotland, but she will be attending a special ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London on Friday.

Another Royal, the Prince of Wales, was the first person to sign a book of condolence at the US Embassy in London.

He wrote his name in the volume in a gesture of sympathy and solidarity with the thousands of victims of the atrocities in New York and Washington.

He called at the embassy, in Grosvenor Square, central London, on the way back from a visit to Somerset.

After signing the book, the Prince spent about seven minutes talking to staff, many of whom know people affected by the tragedy.

A US embassy spokesman said: "It was a very simple, solemn occasion. He was joined by Ambassador William Farish and his wife. There was a signing ceremony and a formal handshake."

Meanwhile both British and American mourners gathered around an impromptu memorial near the embassy in Grosvenor Square.

An American flag was draped around a tree while scores of bouquets were laid around it. There were many messages of condolence written along with the flowers.

Many mourners were unable to control their grief as they remembered the victims of the devastating terrorist attack.

Andrew McGee, 32, from London said: "The attack was a tragedy. I love Americans and when I saw the pictures I just could not believe it. "I despise the people who did this and I am still in shock really".

Lloyd's remembers

Lloyd's of London, the insurance market, rang its Lutine bell and held a minute silence as a mark of respect to those killed in the US terrorist strike.

The bell, which was salvaged from British Frigate HMS Lutine in the 19th century, was traditionally rung to signal news of a missing ship.

It has been rung to mark other tragedies such as the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

There was a minute-long silence which will end with the bell being rung a second time. A spokesman for Lloyd's said they were ringing the bell as a mark of respect to the victims in the US.

He said that as a market Lloyd's had several broker offices in the World Trade Centre.

Residents of Lockerbie, the Scottish town which was devastated when a jumbo jet exploded over it more than a decade ago, spoke of their horror at the US terror attacks.

Many townspeople forged close links with the scores of American families whose relatives were killed when Pan Am flight 103 was blown out of the sky in December 1988.

Phil Jones, the chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said flags would be flown at half mast on all local authority buildings in the area this week as a mark of respect for the American people.

"The people of Lockerbie are appalled by these acts of terrorism in America.

"The scale is unimaginable but the individual trauma of the relatives of the victims is known and fills local people with deep sadness.

"We received comfort and support from America following the Lockerbie air disaster in December 1988 and we want to let them know that they are in our thoughts now and in the difficult times ahead."

And in an area that is used to terrorism, Ireland is to hold a national day of mourning on Friday.

[1rudeboy]

Tell your buddies thanks from all of us. We're a little down right now, but even the vermin that are reponsible know that we're getting ready . . . .

[NYer]

Thanks for posting the British tribute.

The Governor of the State of New York is about to address an extraordinary joint session of the state legislature about the tragedy, heroics and challenges of perhaps the most turbulent week in this state's history. Here at the capitol, there are so many state troopers standing guard at the doors, and guarding the building. They have told me that this is an example of how life will now change in our state and country.

God Bless America!

[Snuffington]

A related article from the BBC:

UK Pays Its Respects

[In mourning for six years]

Thank you cousin, we need your prayers and support. Our hearts are breaking. This means more than you will ever know.

[dandelion]

We can count on you; the faithful, tenacious, indomitable British Bulldog...

[Churchillspirit]

Thanks for the lovely post, Ivan.

From where did get the info about the task force? Bit starved for UK news. Can't seem to find out if BBC America will be covering the Memorial service from St. Paul's tomorrow.

[Hugh Akston]

Damn you. I thought I had stopped with the tears. You got me again.

[MadIvan]

In pictures: Britain's grief

As American people attempt to come to terms with the enormous consequences of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, Britons send condolences and messages of support.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Thursday that more than 100 Britons were believed to have been killed in the attacks.

Mourners gathered at Buckingham Palace for a special ceremony of remembrance

Prince Andrew represented the Queen - still at Balmoral - and was joined by US ambassador William Farrish

The American national anthem was played at the altered Changing of the Guard at the suggestion of the Queen

The Queen is returning to London in time for Friday's remembrance service at St Paul's Cathedral

Flowers surround the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square

Hundreds of Britons have left messages of condolence and support.

The Lloyd's of London insurance market kept a minute's silence marked by the ringing of the Lutine Bell

[cicero's_son]

Thank you, MadIvan.

This is a time that separates friends from foes, and the United Kingdom may be our strongest ally.

You are our cousins, and we know that you will stand with us come what may. No power on Earth can destroy the kinship between our great nations. God bless, cicero's_son

[MadIvan]

In pictures: Britain's grief

As American people attempt to come to terms with the enormous consequences of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, Britons send condolences and messages of support.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Thursday that more than 100 Britons were believed to have been killed in the attacks.

Mourners gathered at Buckingham Palace for a special ceremony of remembrance

Prince Andrew represented the Queen - still at Balmoral - and was joined by US ambassador William Farrish

The American national anthem was played at the altered Changing of the Guard at the suggestion of the Queen

The Queen is returning to London in time for Friday's remembrance service at St Paul's Cathedral

Flowers surround the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square

Hundreds of Britons have left messages of condolence and support.

The Lloyd's of London insurance market kept a minute's silence marked by the ringing of the Lutine Bell

[Hugh Akston]

Damn you meant in the best of ways, btw.

[LTCJ]

Thank you Great Britain.

[jjbrouwer]

Can you get BBC News 24? Should be on that. Or perhaps Fox News.

[MadIvan]

It was on ITN News here in the UK - they showed film of the task force leaving Portsmouth. We're sending nuclear subs, aircraft carriers, destroyers - as I say, the largest task force since the Falklands War.

It's Britain's way, I think, of saying, "Prepare to die, Osama."

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

It was on ITN News here in the UK - they showed film of the task force leaving Portsmouth. We're sending nuclear subs, aircraft carriers, destroyers - as I say, the largest task force since the Falklands War.

It's Britain's way, I think, of saying, "Prepare to die, Osama."

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

It was on ITN News here in the UK - they showed film of the task force leaving Portsmouth. We're sending nuclear subs, aircraft carriers, destroyers - as I say, the largest task force since the Falklands War.

It's Britain's way, I think, of saying, "Prepare to die, Osama."

Regards, Ivan

[BurkeanCyclist]

God for Elizabeth, England, and Saint George!

[CWOJackson]

Good to have you folks standing with us again.

[BobF]

Thank you, Ivan. I've never written you before, but your post compels me...

As a West Pointer and Army veteran, I'm touched by the Coldstream Guards' gesture...I had the pleasure to see them, and their cohorts, at the Trooping of the Colours (rehearsal), Sat 2 June; stirring sight...

Our two nations will always be closest of friends. Again, thanks for your touching sentiment.

Greetings from Houston/ =bob=

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

Oh sh*t, here come the tears.....Thank you Ivan.