See how these names are fêted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire's centre.
Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, today marks the anniversary of the very first Victoria Cross Investiture in Hyde Park, when Queen Victoria invested no less than 62 valiant men for their conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy – and she did it all from horseback! I am certain that my great, great, great Grandmother, and my Grandfather, King George VI, would have been as proud and moved as I am to be amongst such a gathering of living holders of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, together with the descendants of past recipients.
There can be no doubt that the Victoria Cross and the George Cross - one born out of the horrors of the Crimean War, the other from the terrifying ordeal of civilians caught up in the blitz in 1940 - recognize the best of all human qualities – selfless and devoted courage. I know I speak for everyone here when I salute the example and valour of the truly remarkable people that these two great awards have honoured, and continue to honour.
The Thanksgiving Service we have all just attended served as a poignant and timely reminder of these special people and the heroic service which they gave to their country. Advanced technological developments in warfare and the introduction of a myriad of health and safety regulations in civilian life can lead one to believe that there are fewer opportunities for such gallantry. This is not so, as has been shown by the countless and consistent demands on our Servicemen and women – most noticeable recently in the enormous challenges and demands in Iraq and Afghanistan – and the horrific consequences which acts of terror bring to our day-to-day life.
The extraordinary actions of the last three recipients of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross have required exactly the same sort of bravery and selflessness which was shown all those years ago by the first to be honoured with these medals. Circumstances may change. Technology may change. But the capacity for some very rare human beings to act in an utterly exceptional and selfless way remains unchanged by the passage of time.
Today also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, which is a fairly remarkable achievement in itself, especially since the founding Chairman, Sir John Smyth VC, foretold its demise at least twenty years ago! I could not be more proud to be the President, not least because it was a position which my darling Grandmother held with such devotion and affection. It is a remarkable organization which has an incredibly strong sense of fellowship and which does so much to care for its members. There is always a supportive friend to turn to and no association member, nor the widows of past members, ever feel they have been forgotten.
I do congratulate the Association on reaching its golden jubilee and I know there are many people to whom very special thanks are owed for all they do to keep it going.
Ladies and gentlemen, it has given my wife and I the greatest possible pleasure to be with you all today. It makes us both feel immensely proud to be British, and I can only say that our admiration for all those who have been awarded these most revered of gallantry awards is boundless. They are an inspiration and I pay a most heartfelt tribute to them all in the words of the poet, Sir Stephen Spender –
“Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields,
See how these names are fêted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire's centre.
Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.”
