People’s Procession & Westminster Abbey Centenary Service

It was an honour to have been selected to walk in the People’s Procession as part of a big Thank You by Royal British Legion and then were invited to the Westminster Abbey Centenary Service. I was asked if Baljodh Singh, our young volunteer, would not only attend Westminster Abbey Centenary Service but consider a role laying a wreath in front of the Royal family.

On Saturday 10th November we attended a rehearsal at Westminster Abbey for the service due tomorrow evening, the BBC were going to do a live service. Baljodh was nervous and the next day was his 18th birthday, so tensions were high. Along with other young people there, it was a very surreal experience for all involved. Thinking back to when we were granted the Heritage Lottery Fund grant to where we were now, we had all grown in our thinking and learning.

In the morning we walked the procession with the team of the Big Ideas Company. As we all gathered it was a wonderful moment reflecting on how far our project had come and how much the young people had benefited and learnt about the contribution made by South Asian Soldiers. Amongst us were community groups from all over to country who were also going to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph and walk the People’s Procession. This was special to us as we knew we would never be involved in a celebration like this again.

At 11am there was the silence and as a nation we all stood together remembering those that had fought in the war. There was so much diversity of people around us - some like ourselves had created projects for communities to learn more and others had family who fought in the First World War and were researching their stories. As we reached the Cenotaph, along with the Big Ideas Company we got to lay our wreaths with hundreds more wreaths that were made for the Big Ideas Company Unremembered Project. Many were laying wreaths for all those that came from the Commonwealth, this was our way that they were not forgotten and that their contribution to the First World War was acknowledged. After laying our wreath, we walked the procession, finishing off at St James Park.

That evening we arrived at Westminster Service and the team from Believe in Me CIC was feeling really excited. We were amongst other community groups that had been invited to the Centenary service regarding the work we are doing. Walking through the doors that many had passed before us and knowing that this service was special not only to us as a team working on Journey from Home project, also to Baljodh Singh, this was a day we will remember forever. Myself, Aman, Paula and Baljodh were shown our seats in the front row to the entire service. Sitting front row and seeing all the MPs, Lords, Dignitaries, the Prime Minister as well as the Royal family walk past us was truly a joyous moment.

When The Queen entered she was met by the President of Germany and together they laid a wreath at the Unknown Warrior plaque. There were a range of speakers on the night and then Baljodh walked up to lay the wreath. As a young man who came from an area where they are not given opportunities, joined a project that helped him learn more about the contribution of South Asian Soldiers and was now laying a wreath while millions of people watched at home. Baljodh was a young British Sikh wearing a Turban, this is not something our communities would forget in a hurry as they do not often get to see young men like Baljodh on television.

As the service drew to a close and Baljodh back in his seat, out came Prince Harry, who nodded towards Baljodh’s direction and so did Prime Minster Theresa May. It was truly an honour to have been selected, and to be given front row seats at the service.