Honouring veterans at Brookwood American Military Cemetery

Hundreds of Americans who died in the British Isles or its waters during World War I are honoured at Brookwood American Military Cemetery. The High Sheriff joined armed forces members and other dignitaries at the cemetery to lay wreaths to mark Veterans Day.

The commemorative ceremony is an annual public event hosted by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The Commission is the guardian of 468 American graves and the dedication to 564 missing in action in the chapel.

The guests included US armed forces and their allies from the UK, France and other nations, the police force, the Scouts, and families and friends.

After the welcome by AMBC’s Superintendent and an introduction by Master of Ceremonies Laura Taylor, DOR, St James Chapter, the colours were posted and an invocation read by the British Army Chaplain.

A piper played Amazing Grace before the memorial address. Then Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy London, Ambassador Philip T Reeker, and senior officers in the US military laid wreaths, followed by the British military and dignitaries including Dr Llewelyn and Major General Tim Sulivan CB CBE, a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.

Both national anthems – God Save The Queen and The Star Spangled Banner – were played before the benediction and retiring of the colours.

Dr Llewelyn said: “It was an honour to attend the ceremony, which pays moving tribute to the many veterans from overseas who sacrificed their lives in the Great War. It also reminds us of the values and history we share with the United States and allied nations.”