The Garden of Remembrance occupies a site on the northeast side of St Paul’s Cathedral – a place of peace and of reflection. Nevertheless, thoughts of conflict and warfare around the world today added further poignance to the formal opening of the 2023 Garden on Monday 6th November.
 
For many years, the Lord Mayor and the City’s Livery Companies have joined together in support of the Royal British Legion in a special service of remembrance and to pray for peace. This year’s event took place under dappled sunshine, accompanied by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, and choirs from the City of London School, City of London School for Girls, and the City of London Academy, Shoreditch Park. 
 
Amidst traditional hymns and poetry, prays were offered. Led by the Dean of St Paul’s, prays were offered for members of the armed forces, for those civilians caught up in warfare and violence, and for peacemakers, peacekeepers, and leaders throughout the world to pursue reconciliation and freedom. The Master Entrepreneur, Mr Gary Dixon, planted a cross in the garden alongside representatives of the City of London, the Livery Companies, Companies and Guilds, and other City institutions.
 
The event was also a reminder of just how much overlap there is between the lives of armed services personnel and the life and work of the City’s institutions. The Company of Entrepreneurs is honoured to play its part in upholding these ancient links, by offering its support to its military affiliates, to the UK armed forces, and to veterans’ charities.
 
NOTES: Representatives of all the City’s Livery Companies and other institutions come together with the Royal British Legion as the Lord Mayor formally opens the Garden of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral. This usually takes place on the Monday before Remembrance Sunday and a small number of (unreserved) places is available for members of the public. The 2024 Garden of Remembrance will be opened on Monday 4th November.