Today descendants of both sides at Waterloo recalled our forebears words to tell us of the horror and heroism seen at Waterloo. The 200th anniversary commemoration service at St Paul’s Cathedral was truly wonderful and remarkable. At the beginning of the service the standards of the regiments and successor regiments to those that fought at Waterloo were brought into the cathedral by serving soldiers, and the colours visibly brought the place alive. The congregation present were then given time to think on the wrods of those who were there.
On the 100th anniversiary in 1915 British and French troops were fighting side by side and so no memorial was had, at the 150th there was no money, and so Waterloo 200 was born to ensure we not forget. That gallant organisation did a wonderful job today and those who heard the readings of the accounts from those who fought could not help but be moved. Waterloo 200 is the official body recognised by the UK government to support the commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo during its bicentenary in 2015. Waterloo 200 is supporting a diverse range of activities, from today's service of commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral to the restoration of Hougoumont Chateau on the Waterloo battlefield in Belgium. Waterloo 200 is also working in partnership with the National Army Museum and Culture 24, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to promote all bicentenary events and exhibitions across Europe.