British Embassy and Consulates unite in remembrance

THE British Embassy in Madrid and Consulates across Spain will mark the centenary of the Armistice by taking part in solemn acts of remembrance.
They will also be giving thanks for the end of the war, for peace and for those who were fortunate enough to return to their families.
This year, the British and German Governments are promoting a special programme of bell ringing as a symbolic way of commemorating the end of war and conveying the importance of peace.
In London, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the German people in an historic act of reconciliation.
It will be the first time a German leader will lay a wreath at the ceremony and the act marks the significance of the centenary, 100 years after the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
Bells will be rung at many churches in Spain and the bilateral collaboration is also being marked in other ways.
Britain’s Ambassador to Spain Simon Manley, and Germany’s equivalent Ambassador Wolfgang Dold will give readings at the Remembrance Day service at St George’s Church in Madrid.
Ambassador Manley will also attend an event at the German Ambassador’s residence with the historian Dr Robert-Benjamin Gerwarth entitled: “Cien años después, ¿por qué Europa no encontró la paz después de la Primera Guerra Mundial?” (100 years after. Why has Europe not found peace after the First World War?).
Ambassador Manley said:
“As we remember the fallen on November 11, it is important to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and explore how, especially at a time when some seek to provoke discord and intolerance, we can build bridges where others want to build walls.
“As Europeans, we are bound together by our values, our shared memories of the continent’s history and our common aspirations for peace, security and prosperity.”