Happy Thanksgiving!

This may be my first Thanksgiving spent outside of the United States, but that doesn't mean I had to go without a bit of celebration. No, I'm not talking solely about the turkey sandwich I ate for lunch... I attended the official American commemoration this morning at St. Paul's Cathedral. The Cathedral was full for some time before the start of the service at 11am. As I got there a bit early and was there alone, I actually sat quite close to the front. The first four or five rows were reserved for embassy staff and their families, but I snagged a spot just behind them.

A color guard drawn from the embassy Marine attachment presented the flag of the United States, which was handed to the clergy and, eventually, placed at the altar. The flag was processed in along with a variety of Christian clergy, British and American, from around the capital. The final members of the procession were Ambassador Susman and his wife. The service consisted of a few readings, an offering for this year's charity (microfinance group Opportunity International), a nice sermon from the senior pastor at the American Church in London, and a bit of singing. The musical aspect was led by a chorus drawn from a number of American places of worship around town and added a nice touch. I'm generally not one for overt displays of patriotism, but I felt a bit of a tingle when the service concluded with a few thousand Americans singing "America the Beautiful" in the heart of London.

Photography was not allowed inside the cathedral and, for once, I didn't break that rule as security personnel seemed quite strict. What follows are a few pictures I took outside the cathedral as the service was letting out, a picture of the cover of the program, and a few pictures of St. Paul's from previous trips to London.

As an aside, I've seen the past two US presidents speak whilst they were in office and the security today jointly supplied by the British and the Americans was up there with either of those experiences. There were barrier fences constructed, dogs, and rigorous security searches of one's person and possessions. There was a visible British/American personnel presence both outside and inside the venue and a large number of athletic men with flesh-colored earpieces rising out of the neck of their jackets. It's a sad commentary, but a reality that a collection of thousands of Americans gathering together in thanks may prove an attractive target to some. That was a thought a struggled to shake as I listened to the Ambassador read the President's remarks and proclamation. I'd encourage everyone to be thankful for the incredible blessings we, as Americans, have. But I'd also encourage everyone to consider at just what cost they come.

I might not have had a turkey dinner today, but I'm quite thankful I decided to attend the service.