Page 59 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

‘A lamp to represent
the undying spirit of
service’
Capt L McIlwrath and colleagues Maj J Gilpin, LCpl C McCormick represented 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital at the 58th annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service in May.
The Gazette QARANC Association 59
From the moment we arrived at our accommodation in Wellington Barracks we got a sense that it would be a special experience. The sound of the band of the Guards was resonating from nearby Horse Guards parade where they were rehearsing in glorious sunshine for forthcoming ceremonies, and immediately set the tone for our trip.
After changing into our Service Dress, we hailed a cab to St Paul’s Cathedral. The customary venue is Westminster Abbey but was changed this year given the recent Coronation of King Charles.
On arrival at the cathedral, we met colleagues from 253 Medical Regiment and friends from the nursing profession. We were invited to have photographs taken by interested tourists and members of the public who were curious about the gathering and keen to learn more.
Nurses from all three services, the NHS and from the Commonwealth had gathered to celebrate the life and work of Florence Nightingale, the anticipation and pride was clear.
At 1700hrs we were brought to stand in solemnity and reverence by the powerful sound of the pipe organ and the choir filling the cathedral with the fanfare signalling the start of the procession of the clergy and chapter.
During the proceedings we remembered nurses and midwives named in two rolls of honour. The Covid-19 Pandemic Roll of Honour was introduced in 2022 and dedicated to all nurses, midwives and health care support workers who courageously and selflessly provided care during the pandemic.
The second was the Commonwealth Roll of Honour commemorating nurses who lost their lives on active service in Second World War. Both rolls of honour are
As the service progressed and the Band of the Prince of Wales played the introduction to ‘I vow
to thee my country,’ we could not have been prouder to be nurses and to also be part of the QARANC family.
kept in the Florence Nightingale and Nurse Chapel Westminster Abbey.
A burning lamp was then carried through the Cathedral by a Florence Nightingale Scholar and placed on the altar to represent the undying spirit of the service displayed by Florence Nightingale and which is still demonstrated by nurses and midwives today.
As the service progressed and the Band of the Prince of Wales played the introduction to ‘I vow to thee my country,’ we could not have been prouder to be nurses and to also be part of the QARANC family.
All too soon we were making our way out of the Cathedral but first taking time to stand quietly and reflect on the occasion, the words that had been spoken, the music that had stirred our emotions and with a renewed sense of pride and of belonging.
In the words of the Dean. “May this lamp signify our sacred calling to serve the sick and injured, which was heard and answered by Florence Nightingale, passed on from generation to generation, and received with gladness and humility by us today.”
Capt L McIlwrath