VIP MESSAGES

Message from HRH The Prince of Wales, KG KT GCB OM

“2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and on Sunday 9th November – Remembrance Sunday – the nation comes together to remember and give thanks for the extraordinary sacrifices of so many.

There can, perhaps, be no more fitting tribute in music than Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. I was therefore delighted to hear that the Lady R Foundation, in collaboration with the Royal Choral Society and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has organized this commemorative performance of such an evocative work at The Royal Albert Hall. The concert is in support of Veterans Aid, a charity founded eighty-one years ago as a direct response to the needs of the Veterans of the First World War. This remarkable organisation continues its vital work today, looking after British and Commonwealth ex-servicemen and women in crisis who are struggling to cope with civilian life.

I am delighted to give my support to this unique and poignant occasion and I hope the event is a fitting tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives in service to this country, and can help to ensure that Veterans Aid is able to continue its important work for all those in our Armed Forces who so badly need our help today.”

Message from Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

“I am thrilled and honoured to be associated with this unique and poignant occasion.

One hundred years ago the certainties and confidence that we enjoyed as a nation were cast aside with the outbreak of the First World War. Every village, town and city across the country gave up its bravest men to fight on the front line. In Trafalgar Square and at rallies across London, thousands at a time signed up to fight for their country. Yet vast numbers would never return and the devastation felt by the families that remained at home never truly healed.

A century later, the extraordinary sacrifice made by those who served their country remains in sharp focus. With our forces deployed across the globe, we continue to owe the same immeasurable debt to those protecting the freedoms we so often take for granted.

I am delighted that this occasion is being marked in such a wonderfully appropriate way – on Remembrance Sunday 2014, at a concert organised by The Lady R Foundation and the Royal Choral Society (RCS). The RCS and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, two of Britain’s most renowned musical ensembles, will perform Benjamin Britten’s extraordinary War Requiem in one of the world’s most famous concert venues - the Royal Albert Hall.

It is hugely fitting that all proceeds from this great event will be going to Veterans Aid. Since 1932,

Veterans Aid has been providing help to ex-service personnel who are genuinely in crisis. They act immediately and with extraordinary effectiveness. They deserve every support they can get.

I offer my wholehearted support and wish the event every possible success.”

Message From General Sir Nicholas Houghton GCB CBE ADC Gen
Chief of the Defence Staff

“To mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War there will be a number of commemorative events, but none as significant as those being held on Remembrance Sunday.

On that afternoon, Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem will be performed at The Royal Albert Hall. Organised by The Lady R Foundation and in collaboration with The Royal Choral Society and London Philharmonic Orchestra, it will provide an opportunity to remember and give thanks to those servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. It will also remind us of the sacrifices that continue to be made by our Armed Forces today.

I am delighted to give my support to this unique and historic occasion. I am also very pleased that the proceeds will go to Veterans Aid, a remarkable charity that looks after British and Commonwealth ex-servicemen and women in crisis.”