First World War: Commemoration

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Wright of Richmond

Tuesday 12th February 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, there is clearly a totemic significance to the Christmas truce, and it should be commemorated. Discussions are ongoing with the Football Association and the National Children’s Football Alliance.

[Lord Wright of Richmond]

My Lords, may I support the Minister’s word “commemoration” and suggest that, in due course, some thought should be given to celebrating the Armistice in 1918?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

The day falls on a Sunday, and will clearly be part of the ongoing discussions. Yes, the word is “commemoration”—of all that happened in those four years of a dreadful war.