________________
WESTMINSTER ABBEY
AN OBSERVANCE
for COMMONWEALTH DAY
In the presence of
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
HEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH
and
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Monday 10 March 1997, 3.15 p.m.
AT 3.15 P.M. THE PROCESSION moves through the centre aisle of the Nave and through the South Quire Aisle into the Quire. Flags of the Commonwealth Countries, led by the Commonwealth Flag, are carried in procession. When all are in their places the National Anthem is sung by all present:
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen. Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us;
God save the Queen.
Not on this land alone, But be God's mercies known From shore to shore. Lord, make the nations see That we in unity Should form one family The wide world o'er.
Music: from Thesaurus Musicus (c1743), arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)
All sit for The Commonwealth Day Message 1997 from Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth.
all stand to sing The Hymn
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
To his feet thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me his praise should sing
Alleluia, Alleluia, Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour
to our fathers in distress; Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless:
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