Russia Network supports “Lights Out” marking the centenary of World War One
The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulates General in St. Petersburg and Ekaterinburg yesterday marked 100 years since Britain and its allies entered World War One.
A candle-lit vigil took place at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Moscow where guests were invited to remember the victims of the war. Guest paid tribute to those who served during the war, remembered those who sacrificed themselves for their homeland, and unanimously agreed that the century-old tragic events should never become a reality again.
Ambassador Tim Barrow, senior figures from across foreign missions and members of the British and Russian communities gave readings at service including “For the Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon, “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, and others.
The service included the gradual extinguishing of candles in support of the wider “Lights Out” event.
The Ambassador’s Residence and the British Embassy turned off all their lights and were plunged into darkness to honour those who fought in World War One. Consulates General in St. Petersburg and Ekaterinburg also joined the commemoration and turned off their lights keeping only one candle lit.
The initiative was inspired by the words of Sir Edward Grey, British Foreign Secretary, who said on the eve of war: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time.”
You can see pictures from the ceremony here.
