Hundreds of military cadets are marching past the Cenotaph in central London ahead of St. George’s Day next week in a "magnificent display of patriotism.”
The parade, alongside members of the Royal Society of Saint George, honours English members of the armed forces killed in service while also marking St George’s Day.
A two-minute silence was observed at 11 o’clock, with wreaths laid at the foot of the nation’s war memorial shortly after.
The National Day in celebration of England’s patron saint isn’t until Tuesday 23rd April, but organisations like the RSSG host events the weekend before.
Nick Dutt, Chairman of the Royal Society of Saint George, said the parade was 'a symbol not just of past sacrifice but of the enduring values of our country'
GB NEWS
A two-minute silence was observed at 11 o’clock, with wreaths laid at the foot of the nation’s war memorial shortly after
GB NEWS
Nick Dutt, Chairman of the Royal Society of Saint George, said, “Each year on the nearest Saturday to St George’s Day, 23rd April, our Society organises a parade at The Cenotaph, a symbol not just of past sacrifice but of the enduring values of our country.”
He added: “His Majesty The King has always spoken of his great hope for what the younger generation can do. It inspires hope for the future of England.”
The RSSG, which describes itself as “England’s premier patriotic society”, is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.
Members of the non-political and inclusive organisation serve to “promote England and Englishness” including values of tolerance and free speech.
“The symbol of St George gave England strength in two World Wars, and now in peacetime that same sense of endeavour can be channelled for the greater good,” added Nick Dutt.
Families and supporters lined the streets of Whitehall to watch the parade.
"My daughter is a sea cadet, so we've come down to support her and my father is with the parade," said Debbie Sharp, 48, from Cambridgeshire.
"We're big military people so it means a lot to come down and celebrate St. George," she said.
"St George is the patron Saint of our country," said John Booth, 76, from Chelmsford.
"I'm the old brigade and it means something to me, hopefully this sort of thing will be taken up by some of the young people in the country and have some pride."
"It's my birthday on St George's Day and I still celebrate. You've gotta mark it 100 per cent, he's our patron saint. Scotland do it, Wales do it, we've got to do it but bigger and better," said Lee Peachey, 59, from Little Hampton.
Other events are organised in towns and cities across England while international branches of the RSSG including in Australia and America will host their own events.
St. George has been England’s patron saint since the 14th century. While legend tells the story of a knight slaying a dragon, the true story can be traced to a Roman soldier killed for Christian beliefs.
