Hello Mark, I missed this years Festival of Remembrance so when I googled it you site came up. It was a delight to watch you and our services we remember every year. The RBL is an amazing venue and gives me goose pimples every time I walk through the door. God bless from Worcestershire UK 🇬🇧
@ tonight we have the Royal Variety Performance coming from the RAH as well. It should be available on ITV 1 if you can pick it up. It starts in 35 minutes at 8pm UK 🇬🇧 time.
🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸 hi Mark - It was really great to see this with you and although we saw it live, we enjoyed your comments- we have watched this every year from childhood and Saturday night was really special as it was all about “remembrance” and as the years pass, our younger generations need to understand what our service men and women give to protect our nation’s and our freedoms. A good night on the “big fake couch” - best wishes Terry & Sylvia UK (hope the smoke from the fires has passed and you and the family are now safe)
Never forget indeed. Kohima recognition.... means so much to me. Seeing the Military Wives Choir tradition being carried on into a new generation, just wow! The personal stories, the memories are so emotional. Deeply appreciated, as always. Cheers, Mark.
Thank you again Mark for your respect . The bereaved marching down gets me every year and of course the Chelsea pensioners, I'm always on tenterhooks when they walk down bless them . Lest we forget .
It was watching the children singing and bopping along with Jack Savoretti that made me 😢- their happy smiles and their innocence - may they spend the rest of their lives relishing in the freedom that our forefathers and mothers fought for😊
hi mark,i had the honour of been there for the first time on saturday,never done it in my military career .and it was one of the most moving things i have ever seen.they do one at 3pm and another one at 7pm[which the royals attend ]
Mark. Yes 'Heart of Oak' is the anthem of the Royal Navy. It refers back to the days of the great Oak built ships, like the 'Victory', that defended the country for centuries, like a 'wooden wall' in the sea around our island. Thus the Navy always goes first, as the oldest, senior, service, founded way back in the 9th century by King Alfred the Great, & re-founded by Henry 8th in the 16th century. This is long before there was a standing army in the British Isles, as the Medieval Barons & Lords etc only served the Kings as volunteers, being reluctant to allow the Monarch a permanent military power over them. The Standing Army only came about after the trauma of the Civil Wars, with the King's Bodyguards regiments, Cavalry & foot , were granted to King Charles 2nd. Of course the RAF comes last as the latest branch of the Armed forces to be created, during the first world war. The National Flag is lowered to the ground in salute to the Fallen. I think you will find that the Royal Standard is never permitted to touch the ground, for that would mark the death of the Monarch. A wonderful show this year. I agree with your gripes , but we don't know the wishes of those involved. Maybe it was hard enough just to appear as they did.
Back in my school days we would gather in the hall for a music lesson on the large radio a broadcast from the BBC and sang along to Heart of Oak Fairwell and aduie to you fair Spanish Maidens Oh soldier soldier won't you marry me with yr musket Fife and drum Over the hill and far away etc So glad Mark enjoyed this broadcast. The mothers story brought me to tears as so many did. Lest we forget should be paramount in this unsettled world we have today. ❤ to Mark and all who just want to live in peace and without turmoil.
It was really wonderful to watch this again with you. Thank you Mark for giving us this opportunity. Please don't worry about the Chelsea Pensioners and those Representing the grieving families not getting their chance to be acknowledged. This Festival of Remembrance is broadcast live on National Television throughout the UK and elsewhere. All of us see these Representatives very clearly - as did you. Take great care of yourself.
Please ignore some of my fellow countrymen Mark. We are not all arrogant and pompous like some of the comments. Thanks for showing your respect to your fellow allies.
My family lost 13 in two world wars, this festival and Rememberance Sunday, although heartbreaking does at least remind those who have lost family members that they are at least remembered.
Hi Mark, I waited to watch your review to see this, so didn't tune into the live show, better to watch with your American context, blown away by the show, it's so well produced, I watched all of the 1.56.56 seconds. I am so respectful that you took the time [and dressed up a bit!] to do this, we the Uk [I] thank the US for your involvement in the Second World War, we have the greatest alliance in the world.
All I hear about the landings from America is "Omaha beach, how we suffered", yet, when the battles went inland it was the Brits who were up against a multitude of German tank Divisions at Cannes. The Americans where able to go inland while the British, Canadians and others faced 5 or 6 divisions of German tanks, the Germans needed to hold Cannes to stabilize the front, that was the brits "Omaha beach", something you never hear about. The Americans won WW2 by themselves. Yeah, right.
What you have to remember about the yanks is that they have no battle history to speak of so they pretend they won everything on their own HOLLYWOOD STYLE even ww1 when then entered in 1917 seven months before the war ended.
Thank you so much for this. this is made all the more emotional as a 22 year old volunteer from Cornwall (my home) was killed in Ukraine the other day.
My respect to you and I appreciate to some extent your feelings. My father in law was a a merchant seaman in WWII and survived going across the Atlantic a dozen times. And yes it doesn’t get any easier. We had a hard time getting a full pension for him until 1990 because “he wasn’t in active service “ despite being torpedoed 3 times by U boats. I’m very proud to see the merchant navy being represented every year. We would not have survived without them.
Aaahh Mark, only just realised you've put this up so I'm a bit late but I just wanted to say it's great that this is part of your annual calendar! ❤️ I live a three minute walk from one of the many beaches on the South coast of England which were known as loading zones for the D-day operation and walk it regularly with my dogs. Remnants of that time can still be seen here too, I of course can only imagine the scene all those years ago and its quite surreal given I only know it as a peaceful place where wildlife is protected and little boats bob on the water in the tiny harbour. I'm fortunate however to still have my mum who is 93 and remembers well the days leading up to the invasion (of course she was only a child and no one knew what was about to ensue) when the village and local town were full of military personnel including American and Canadian troops. l often repeat the story she tells of groups of local children spending time around the camps and how the Americans would give them their candy. Soldiers whose faces she can recall to memory but would never know their fate. 😓 She recounts how all of a sudden the campsites disappeared overnight. Little did she know then but D day had begun while she slept!
The Old King of Norway King Olaf used to come to watch from Horseguards as he took shelter in the UK & led the organiseation of Norways Resistance, He started in1949 the sending the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree as a Thankyou gift to Britain!! a Smaller second tree is sent to the Foreign & Comonwealth Office !!
The Royal standard is never cleaned, never repaired and never touches the ground unless the sovereign dies . At the dear Queens lying in state ,you can see the guards lying the standard spread out , on the ground at the foot of her coffin. The standard is buried with the sovereign.
Mark , thankyou for sharing your beautiful and MOVING reactions... I always consider you an honoree BRITT .... I believe that you need to be recognized for your support from overseas and so if other Britts are seeing this please say so... We can then petition
The Pensioners sit behind the band onthe stage on full view, so do the families...dont worry😂😂 Looking dapper that man...presented beautifully throughout by Adrian Lester. A great actor and Real gentleman. How moving Just watching your reaction as I haven't seen it yet. I marched past I will be seeing if I can see me but I'm 5ft 1". I was somewhat surrounded by giants....our Guards NCO for our lot was terrifying.😂. Youre allocated a serving soldier to get you all in order. Scary .......😮 Tom Jones 84.!! That voice! Just editing I'm now crying like a baby. A driver just delivered a parcel and I mean really crying asked me if I'm okay..😂 Those kids were joyous. 😂..Little boy really killing it. I should have waited to comment until I'd watched it all....sorry😮
Saw William pretty close for first time since he was a kid...hes huge!...there's tall and there's William. 😂😂 hes really killing the beard and a huge smile
Yep, Heart of Oak is the Official March of the Royal Navy (You may know it as The Liberty song, same melody, different words). Royal Marines have A Life on the Ocean Wave. I do miss the Guards' marching in to their Regimental March, which got changed a few years back. Personally, I'd love to see the Rifles/Gurkhas double time in to the Hall. We don't talk about the RAF.
In past years Mark the Chelsea Pensioners used be seated behind the band on the stage but the choir takes up this space instead, I understand from someone who has was there last year that there are seats reserved for them on one of the verandas.
"From the Beaches of D-day (1944)" ! [4:27] what about The Somme (1916), Arras(1917) or the Canadians at Vimy Ridge (1917) BBC? Do those hero not count?
I have been watching The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance for over 65 years and it has changed with the years although the main contents was as usual very moving, I wasn't keen on the singers I cant understand why the RBL hadn't asked Katherine Jenkins to partake as she was the person to take the baton from Dame Vera Lynn when she finale retired performing at this advent and other similar events.🧐
Mark can I borrow your hanky please? By the way you are looking extra dapper today , more than usual- all respect to you mate for showing us and our traditions honour and respect- you are a top bloke - love to all x( must say Sir Tom still sounds great dont you think ?)
My grandpop was in the dessert rats , he then went to Italy before being shipped in for D day six , just wish he told me more but he had lost his brother in the war and saw hell on earth when he got to the camps so i know why he didn’t speak more about his service.
John, don't complain. Brilliant show but what happened to the part where the BBC used to tell us stuff like how many years of service the Chelsea Penshioners have, thats were the acknowledgement used to come in.....
@@MarkfromtheStates Traditionally Mark while the Chelsea Pensioners marched down for decades the BBC presenter person would be telling you things like. Youngest Man, oldest man. campaigns, combined age, and length of service. That however was done by the behind the sceens voiceover presenter. Seems they are not prepared to run two presenters anymore.
Watching the poppies fall. Too many lives for what? . . . . They come across our land with no respect. -- Makes me cry for my grandfather. 8th army North Africa/ Italy) 😭
When you watch something like this and remember exactly WHAT we were fighting for. Then if Trump decides to direct the US to support Russia and Israel, then he is the same as Hitler. Support the Guilty and ignore the innocent
All i can is Thank you marks, No words are needed my friend
Thank you for watching with me
Hello Mark, I missed this years Festival of Remembrance so when I googled it you site came up. It was a delight to watch you and our services we remember every year. The RBL is an amazing venue and gives me goose pimples every time I walk through the door. God bless from Worcestershire UK 🇬🇧
Thank you for watching with me
@ tonight we have the Royal Variety Performance coming from the RAH as well. It should be available on ITV 1 if you can pick it up. It starts in 35 minutes at 8pm UK 🇬🇧 time.
Thank You Mark , For Sharing Our Tears !! My Late Father , Was A P.O.W. In Changi Jail, Singapore , For Most Of The War !!
The wonderful Sir Tom Jones at 81 was wonderful and his song was so touching. He was clearly moved himself watching the poppy’s fall.
🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸 hi Mark -
It was really great to see this with you and although we saw it live, we enjoyed your comments- we have watched this every year from childhood and Saturday night was really special as it was all about “remembrance” and as the years pass, our younger generations need to understand what our service men and women give to protect our nation’s and our freedoms. A good night on the “big fake couch” - best wishes Terry & Sylvia UK (hope the smoke from the fires has passed and you and the family are now safe)
All good
What a lovely guy you are Mark. It's people like you that make the British, American relationship ever stronger. Just thank you!!!
Love it thank you
Mark, thank you. As a former member of HMF, whose military history stretches back over 100 years.
No my friend...THANK YOU!
Many thanks and most worthwhile. I would not have got to see this unless you had posted. Great and respectful reaction too. ❤
Thank you for watching with me
Thank you Mark ...
You are very welcome
Never forget indeed. Kohima recognition.... means so much to me. Seeing the Military Wives Choir tradition being carried on into a new generation, just wow! The personal stories, the memories are so emotional. Deeply appreciated, as always. Cheers, Mark.
Thank you Hank... It was wonderful
Thank you again Mark for your respect . The bereaved marching down gets me every year and of course the Chelsea pensioners, I'm always on tenterhooks when they walk down bless them . Lest we forget .
Thank you Clare. I'm with ya on this
It was watching the children singing and bopping along with Jack Savoretti that made me 😢- their happy smiles and their innocence - may they spend the rest of their lives relishing in the freedom that our forefathers and mothers fought for😊
Yes found that very uplifting
hi mark,i had the honour of been there for the first time on saturday,never done it in my military career .and it was one of the most moving things i have ever seen.they do one at 3pm and another one at 7pm[which the royals attend ]
Right on Paul so happy to read this.
Mark. Yes 'Heart of Oak' is the anthem of the Royal Navy. It refers back to the days of the great Oak built ships, like the 'Victory', that defended the country for centuries, like a 'wooden wall' in the sea around our island. Thus the Navy always goes first, as the oldest, senior, service, founded way back in the 9th century by King Alfred the Great, & re-founded by Henry 8th in the 16th century. This is long before there was a standing army in the British Isles, as the Medieval Barons & Lords etc only served the Kings as volunteers, being reluctant to allow the Monarch a permanent military power over them. The Standing Army only came about after the trauma of the Civil Wars, with the King's Bodyguards regiments, Cavalry & foot , were granted to King Charles 2nd. Of course the RAF comes last as the latest branch of the Armed forces to be created, during the first world war. The National Flag is lowered to the ground in salute to the Fallen. I think you will find that the Royal Standard is never permitted to touch the ground, for that would mark the death of the Monarch. A wonderful show this year. I agree with your gripes , but we don't know the wishes of those involved. Maybe it was hard enough just to appear as they did.
I'm sure the bereaved and Chelsea pensioners usually take a seat behind the orchestra ? .
Thank you Daniel. Yes who knows what they wanted.
Back in my school days we would gather in the hall for a music lesson on the large radio a broadcast from the BBC and sang along to
Heart of Oak
Fairwell and aduie to you fair Spanish Maidens
Oh soldier soldier won't you marry me with yr musket Fife and drum
Over the hill and far away etc
So glad Mark enjoyed this broadcast. The mothers story brought me to tears as so many did.
Lest we forget should be paramount in this unsettled world we have today.
❤ to Mark and all who just want to live in peace and without turmoil.
So moving. Every year I cry but most importantly remember those who serve and the many who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Absolutely. I'm with ya Julie
It gets me every year. London ❤❤
Absolutely
Watched it live on Saturday, watching it again with you. Weeping both times.
So good
Thank you for this Mark, I waited to watch this with you and the rest of this family together. It's still incredibly moving and humbling.
It sure was nice. Thank you Jim
Thank you Mark for your total respect our fallen 🇬🇧🇺🇸❤️
My pleasure thank you for watching with me
It was really wonderful to watch this again with you. Thank you Mark for giving us this opportunity. Please don't worry about the Chelsea Pensioners and those Representing the grieving families not getting their chance to be acknowledged. This Festival of Remembrance is broadcast live on National Television throughout the UK and elsewhere. All of us see these Representatives very clearly - as did you. Take great care of yourself.
Indeed... thank you
Mark, the Chelsea pensioners walk up the steps at the side and sit above the orchestra so that they are on display during the ceremony.
Oh really... Had no idea. Thank you
Please ignore some of my fellow countrymen Mark. We are not all arrogant and pompous like some of the comments. Thanks for showing your respect to your fellow allies.
My family lost 13 in two world wars, this festival and Rememberance Sunday, although heartbreaking does at least remind those who have lost family members that they are at least remembered.
Absolutely. God bless your family
Thank you for there service and sacrifice.
@@MarkfromtheStates Thank you Sir
TOP MAN MARK.
Also on BBC lack of explanation, 1:07 ish to 1:12 ish was setting the stage for a 'Drumhead' Church service.
Thank you
Hi Mark, I waited to watch your review to see this, so didn't tune into the live show, better to watch with your American context, blown away by the show, it's so well produced, I watched all of the 1.56.56 seconds. I am so respectful that you took the time [and dressed up a bit!] to do this, we the Uk [I] thank the US for your involvement in the Second World War, we have the greatest alliance in the world.
Love it thank you Anthony
19:30 "Princess Catherine looks stunning, of course, and I'm kind of digging the beard." 😂
They're looking good
All I hear about the landings from America is "Omaha beach, how we suffered", yet, when the battles went inland it was the Brits who were up against a multitude of German tank Divisions at Cannes. The Americans where able to go inland while the British, Canadians and others faced 5 or 6 divisions of German tanks, the Germans needed to hold Cannes to stabilize the front, that was the brits "Omaha beach", something you never hear about. The Americans won WW2 by themselves. Yeah, right.
Don't disrespect our American allies we all did what what had to be done, God bless them all
What you have to remember about the yanks is that they have no battle history to speak of so they pretend they won everything on their own HOLLYWOOD STYLE even ww1 when then entered in 1917 seven months before the war ended.
Thank you so much for this. this is made all the more emotional as a 22 year old volunteer from Cornwall (my home) was killed in Ukraine the other day.
Oh gosh sorry to read this
😮Thanks Mark you didn’t need to do a reaction but its very appreciated.
There something about seeing old veterans crying the breaks you.
Yes agree
Glad to watch this with you. As the daughter of two WW2 war heroes, this gets more and more hard to watch as respect dwindles from society.
Yes you are right - respect is a foreign word to a lot of people today 🏴🇬🇧
Much respect to your parents and to you
@@MarkfromtheStates Thanks Mark
My respect to you and I appreciate to some extent your feelings. My father in law was a a merchant seaman in WWII and survived going across the Atlantic a dozen times. And yes it doesn’t get any easier. We had a hard time getting a full pension for him until 1990 because “he wasn’t in active service “ despite being torpedoed 3 times by U boats. I’m very proud to see the merchant navy being represented every year. We would not have survived without them.
Aaahh Mark, only just realised you've put this up so I'm a bit late but I just wanted to say it's great that this is part of your annual calendar! ❤️
I live a three minute walk from one of the many beaches on the South coast of England which were known as loading zones for the D-day operation and walk it regularly with my dogs. Remnants of that time can still be seen here too, I of course can only imagine the scene all those years ago and its quite surreal given I only know it as a peaceful place where wildlife is protected and little boats bob on the water in the tiny harbour.
I'm fortunate however to still have my mum who is 93 and remembers well the days leading up to the invasion (of course she was only a child and no one knew what was about to ensue) when the village and local town were full of military personnel including American and Canadian troops. l often repeat the story she tells of groups of local children spending time around the camps and how the Americans would give them their candy. Soldiers whose faces she can recall to memory but would never know their fate. 😓 She recounts how all of a sudden the campsites disappeared overnight. Little did she know then but D day had begun while she slept!
Thank you for sharing this Lorraine
@MarkfromtheStates you're welcome! 😁
The Old King of Norway King Olaf used to come to watch from Horseguards as he took shelter in the UK & led the organiseation of Norways Resistance, He started in1949 the sending the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree as a Thankyou gift to Britain!! a Smaller second tree is sent to the Foreign & Comonwealth Office !!
The Royal standard is never cleaned, never repaired and never touches the ground unless the sovereign dies . At the dear Queens lying in state ,you can see the guards lying the standard spread out , on the ground at the foot of her coffin. The standard is buried with the sovereign.
Mark , thankyou for sharing your beautiful and MOVING reactions... I always consider you an honoree BRITT .... I believe that you need to be recognized for your support from overseas and so if other Britts are seeing this please say so... We can then petition
I'm nothing without you so thank you
The Pensioners sit behind the band onthe stage on full view, so do the families...dont worry😂😂
Looking dapper that man...presented beautifully throughout by Adrian Lester. A great actor and Real gentleman. How moving Just watching your reaction as I haven't seen it yet. I marched past I will be seeing if I can see me but I'm 5ft 1". I was somewhat surrounded by giants....our Guards NCO for our lot was terrifying.😂. Youre allocated a serving soldier to get you all in order. Scary
.......😮 Tom Jones 84.!! That voice!
Just editing I'm now crying like a baby. A driver just delivered a parcel and I mean really crying asked me if I'm okay..😂
Those kids were joyous. 😂..Little boy really killing it.
I should have waited to comment until I'd watched it all....sorry😮
Thank you. Happy to read this
Saw William pretty close for first time since he was a kid...hes huge!...there's tall and there's William. 😂😂 hes really killing the beard and a huge smile
Yep, Heart of Oak is the Official March of the Royal Navy (You may know it as The Liberty song, same melody, different words). Royal Marines have A Life on the Ocean Wave.
I do miss the Guards' marching in to their Regimental March, which got changed a few years back. Personally, I'd love to see the Rifles/Gurkhas double time in to the Hall.
We don't talk about the RAF.
Sounds awesome
In past years Mark the Chelsea Pensioners used be seated behind the band on the stage but the choir takes up this space instead, I understand from someone who has was there last year that there are seats reserved for them on one of the verandas.
Happy to read this
Sorry Mark, I forgot to say that anybody that walks down the middle of the arena. Take their seat behind the orchestra.
Right on Tony. Thanks
"From the Beaches of D-day (1944)" ! [4:27]
what about The Somme (1916), Arras(1917) or the Canadians at Vimy Ridge (1917) BBC?
Do those hero not count?
Bloody hell. This has got me blubbing again. My grandfather fought at Monte Casino.
Much respect to your Grandfather
that wos great mark you looked smart meaning well dressed😄
Haha that's a first. Thank you
I have been watching The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance for over 65 years and it has changed with the years although the main contents was as usual very moving, I wasn't keen on the singers I cant understand why the RBL hadn't asked Katherine Jenkins to partake as she was the person to take the baton from Dame Vera Lynn when she finale retired performing at this advent and other similar events.🧐
Oh ya she's great
Great post you did a great job really enjoyed it it's Sophie next to Catherine I love Nimrod as well
Awesome! Thank you!
They were Mark they didn't go backstage they went to seats up the back near the king and were there all through the ceramony
Mark can I borrow your hanky please? By the way you are looking extra dapper today , more than usual- all respect to you mate for showing us and our traditions honour and respect- you are a top bloke - love to all x( must say Sir Tom still sounds great dont you think ?)
He was great. Thanks Carol
That’s the garrison sarnt major stokes total bad ass
Gid bless our protestant faith. Lest we forget
If you didn’t know that the U.K. has less than 10% black population you wouldn’t have guessed it from how the bbc put this broadcast together.
Agree Mark. In the last few years it got a bit woke but this one was so moving!!!
So good
WHO DOES IT BETTER ?
Nobody I can think of
Beautiful and so poignant. Uniquely British.
Yes so true Archie... Thank you
The Chelsea Pensioners are still in the audience in arks reserved for them
Thank you...I didn't know this
The Chelsea Pensioners did not leave they went into a box, to watch the whole thing.
So glad thank you
My grandpop was in the dessert rats , he then went to Italy before being shipped in for D day six , just wish he told me more but he had lost his brother in the war and saw hell on earth when he got to the camps so i know why he didn’t speak more about his service.
Mark the thing about remeberance weekend in the UK it A polical that is no demestic political view point . To be exspessed
Understood
John, don't complain. Brilliant show but what happened to the part where the BBC used to tell us stuff like how many years of service the Chelsea Penshioners have, thats were the acknowledgement used to come in.....
Okay thank you. It was a good and moving performance
@@MarkfromtheStates Traditionally Mark while the Chelsea Pensioners marched down for decades the BBC presenter person would be telling you things like. Youngest Man, oldest man. campaigns, combined age, and length of service. That however was done by the behind the sceens voiceover presenter. Seems they are not prepared to run two presenters anymore.
This event makes the house very dusty ..
Lol
Watching the poppies fall. Too many lives for what? . . . . They come across our land with no respect. -- Makes me cry for my grandfather. 8th army North Africa/ Italy) 😭
Thank you...much respect to your Grandfather
Chelsie pensioners took their seat on the stage
Thank you... So glad
You can’t have every one on stage ,too many ,and they have to get the show finished
When you watch something like this and remember exactly WHAT we were fighting for. Then if Trump decides to direct the US to support Russia and Israel, then he is the same as Hitler. Support the Guilty and ignore the innocent
Thank you Mark ,❤❤
You are so welcome