Afghan focus at remembrance event

The Queen and Prince Philip arriving at Festival of Remembrance The Queen is patron of the Royal British Legion

The sacrifices of UK troops in Afghanistan were commemorated by guests including the Queen and Gordon Brown at the Festival of Remembrance in London.

There were a number of references to events in Afghanistan during the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Films of operations to fly wounded servicemen back to Britain were shown, as were interviews with soldiers.

The festival, held on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, also remembered those lost in both world wars.

Jamie Cullum and Hayley Westenra were among the artists who performed at the festival, which is co-ordinated by the Royal British Legion.

Greeted on arrival by trustees of the Royal British Legion, Prime Minister Gordon Brown told president Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely: "Thank you for everything you do, we much appreciate everything you do."

Mr Brown was accompanied by his wife Sarah.

Royals present included the Queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Royal.

D-Day anniversary

During the ceremony, scarlet poppy petals fell from the great dome to represent all those who have died in combat.

Along with the footage of missions to fly wounded servicemen back to the UK, a number of current soldiers appeared on screen telling of their sadness at the loss of their comrades.

We must not forget, we must always remember
Hayley Westenra
Singer

We'll Meet Again was sung by Westenra in honour of the original armed forces sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn - who was in the crowd.

Westenra said the song suited the current situation with so many personnel serving in Afghanistan, adding: "We must not forget, we must always remember."

Also performing was the Fron Male Voice choir from Froncysyllte in the Welsh Vale of Llangollen.

A tribute to D-Day veterans in the 65th anniversary year of the landings was also held.

In attendance were war widows wearing the Elizabeth Cross, the new award given to families of those killed while on active service.

The citation was read by Kate Nesbitt, the first woman in the Royal Navy to be awarded the Military Cross.

Royal British Legion spokesman Robert Lee said the entire nation was "focused very much on what is happening in Afghanistan".

He added: "It's the right time to not only remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but those left behind who we want to care for."

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