Today, we share an article by our man in London, Senior Historian Chris Anderson, about attending the annual Thanksgiving service for American ex-pats at St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is a tradition that dates back to 1959, but that has its roots in a unique service that was held at Westminster Abbey during World War II.

Across Time and Space

By Chris Anderson, Senior Historian

One of the things I miss most about the States is autumn in New England and Thanksgiving, which has always been my favorite holiday. This year, however, I had a chance to celebrate in a way that allowed me to enjoy this important tradition in my home here in the UK. Anna and I attended the annual U.S. Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral; a Thanksgiving tradition here in London that goes back to 1959.

There had been an earlier Thanksgiving service in England, though. Following a visit to the UK by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, in November 1942, it was decided that the British and American allies should jointly give thanks for the victories of the past year and their alliance. GIs held a variety of Thanksgiving themed celebrations for civilians and children near their bases and, despite years of rationing, ordinary Brits welcomed Americans into their homes. The November 23, 1942, edition of Stars and Stripes said Thanksgiving Day will be the day for, “Many American servicemen to repay in a small way the warm reception given to them by the British people.”

Two days later, a unique service would be held at Westminster Abbey. For the first time in its 900-year history, the dean relinquished control of the Abbey and its clergy to outside clerics. United States service chaplains performed a Thanksgiving Day service. Despite the short notice, some 3,000 American soldiers, sailors and airmen came to Westminster. According to one account, “khaki flooded the aisles, surrounding the tomb of Britain’s unknown soldier.” Corporal Heinz Arnold Patchogue of New York performed, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” on the Abbey’s organ and a choir sang “America the Beautiful and “Lead on O King Eternal.” Ambassador John Winant then read a personal message from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that concluded, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the lord. Across the uncertain ways of space and time. Our hearts echo those words.

Perhaps inspired by memories of that wartime service in 1959, St. Paul’s began the tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Service for the American expatriate community in Great Britain. This hospitality allows Americans far from home a chance to celebrate this most important holiday in magnificent surroundings. The service includes the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by a USMC colour guard, welcome by the U.S. ambassador or their representative, and a sermon by the rector of the American International Church. Hymns and other music all have a very American flavor. This year the choir was from the American International Church.

Following the service – and before thousands of tourists descended on the cathedral – those of us who attended had a chance to pay our respects to the fallen at the American Memorial Chapel. Located just behind the high alter, the chapel is in an area of the cathedral that had suffered during the Blitz. Paid for through voluntary donation, the chapel was a gift from the people of Great Britain to the people of the United States. It features ornate wood carvings of North American plants and three beautiful stained-glass windows that feature biblical images and the flags of 48 States and (then) four U.S. territories.

Most importantly, there is the Roll of Honor, which contains a personal message from General Dwight Eisenhower and the name, rank and service details of the 28,000 American service personnel who gave their lives during World War II. Each day with great reverence a page is turned on the roll so that a new set of names can be seen.

As an expat, I can say that it is one of the most special places in the UK for me and somewhere I always look forward to going. It was especially moving to be able to visit this year on of the most American of holidays: Thanksgiving Day. Although there wasn’t any football this year, it is certainly one of the Thanksgiving celebrations that I will always remember.