WW1 Centenary Commemorations

Being here tonight, seeing some of nature’s finest treasures, reminds me just how precious and awe inspiring the natural world is.

We are very proud of the selfless service, and sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families in recent years.

This is their award.

It is here to caution us, against forgetting that true freedom is - and always will be - hard won.‬‪

You are a credit to your Nation.

You are worthy successors to those soldiers of General Monck’s Regiment of Foot, who, in 1660, marched from Coldstream to restore law and order in the Capital.

Hardly a family in the country went unscathed.

You are inspirational role models to all young Britons. Your Country is immensely proud of you.

It is remarkable what these ex-Servicemen and women are able to achieve for these young people by working together with them, for their own good and for the benefit of us all.

Thank you for your support which, in its way, I see as your own very personal act of remembrance.

The presentation of Colours is a special opportunity to recognise the past achievements, to give thanks for commitment and loyalty today, and to express confidence in the...

We have much to learn from you.

It is still worth telling. It has huge relevance for what’s happening in the world today.

A fresh chapter has now opened with this presentation of new Colours to six of the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

To exchange combat kit for ceremonial uniform in the space of two weeks is nothing short of remarkable.

The Royal Hospital - this world famous place - represents all that is great about our Country

We all know that we could not be as we are, collectively and individually, without their selfless duty.

Each one of those young men died for you and for me.

For nearly 90 years, the Royal British Legion has blazed the trail in caring for the men and women to whom we owe our freedom.

American and British Forces have fought shoulder to shoulder for a hundred years to safeguard the ideals and values our countries share.

Here reigns courage, humour, compassion and, above all, hope for the future.

The Colours, that I am presenting to you this morning, represent the spirit of the Regiment, past and present.

Often, your loyalty to one another will mean the difference between life and death.

I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our...

Your service to the Crown continues in a distinctive way and reinforces the very best values of those who came before you.

They work selflessly with honour and distinction, in the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

I do feel there is truth in the view that society can learn much from British military values and ethos.

You can be justly proud of your achievements, as – I am sure – are your families and friends.

It is nearly a quarter of a century since my great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, opened the last expansion of the Gallery in 1985.