Americans React to I Vow To Thee My Country 

This is an anthem , a personal vow to our country, we sang it in school when I was a child, and we meant every word.

The whole Remembrance Service is very moving. This is not about military prowess. It’s about remembrance of those we lost going back to WWI, I don’t think we have any veterans left from the Boer War. Every military branch is represented. Also, did you notice that in the middle of those servicemen was a pile of drums? That’s called a drumhead altar and is the way servicemen had religious services during war. At the end of the remembrance a bunch of poppy petals fall from the sky, each petal representing a life lost.(edited for spelling)

I can't even express how grateful I am to the service men and women who have sacrificed to give me the freedoms I have now. Huge thanks and respect to every single one of them.

This particular hymn was written and initially performed shortly after World War I, obviously in remembrance of Britain's soldiers who had died during that terrible war, and has been sung at Remembrance Day/Armistice Day church services ever since, honouring their dead men and women from many wars, conflicts over the centuries. One other thing which is different is the "separation of church and state" in the U.S.A., whereas the reigning King or Queen of the United Kingdom is considered to be the Head of State of the Commonwealth, as well the "Defender of the Faith" as the leader of the Church of England.

I’m 72 years old and we regularly sang this hymn at School Assemblies. It is about love for Country, Service and and Faith. Both my grandfathers fought in WW1 and my Father and all my uncles in WW2. None of them would have joined the Military but for fate intervening and them being called up for Service to protect our Country. One of my grandfathers was gassed in WW1, survived, but never had good health again. Th second verse is about faith, and the hope that future generations will learn from history, but also the hope that we may ‘meet’ all our loved ones that have passed on before us.

Just FYI, at 2:26, the person in frame is Dame Vera Lynn. She was a very famous singer during wartime Britain. I would encourage you to find some of her songs and listen to them. She sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 103.

Beautiful, that brought a lump to my throat seeing our wonderful Queen and Prince Phillip. ❤

The Festival of Remembrance is an annual event broadcast on the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday. The evening is very moving all military and civilian branches are celebrated and remembered for their sacrifices. Organised by the British Legion it is a mixture of hymns, popular music, military bands and stories about the military, those who have died and their families. It is always attended by the Royal Family, the ending of the service is particularly moving as a poppy leaf for each fallen soldier falls from the ceiling. It is a major part of the British annual calendar of events, the annual service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph takes place on the Sunday closest to 11 November also led by the Monarch with the Royal Family in attendance. A minute’s silence is observed across the country at 11am - in shops, hospitals, etc. Services are held at local War memorials and places of worship. It is the least we can do for those who have served for us.

This should be the English National anthem or Jerusalem. Thankyou for the upload, merry Xmas

I agree with other comments here, the military in Britain is not about prowess, bellicose glory or jingoism, it's about knowing how necessary it is to defend one's home and one's country, because Britain has had to endure being bombed almost out of existence during WW2, and knowing that if you do nothing, you no longer have a home. Comparing militarism in the US and UK, I sense that because here in the UK, there's no boastfulness or 'blind glory' type of patriotism, most people here acknowledge the part the armed forces play in the defence of the realm

Beautiful so proud to be British this always makes my heart swell.🇬🇧

I took part twice the annual Festival of Remembrance 70 years ago as member of the Women Royal Airforce. The first part of it is done by members of all the forces, I was in a physical training demonstration, and once in what is called the Muster Party where representatives of all branches of the forces marched in. At the end poppy petals rain down from the ceiling, a petal for every person who died in the wars. I picked some up and still have them. It was something I will never forget, and our Queen had only just come to the throne, a young woman.

Random fact: The Star Spangled Banner was first composed in 17th century England and has an interesting past. It was a popular piece of music globally which was sang in English gentlemens clubs and refered to alcohol, gambling and adult activities. When it became popular in the new USA, they just added the words that are still used today.

Hi guys. What a stirring Hymn, it certainly gets the emotions going every time you hear it. Another one and my absolute favorite is Jerusalem by William Blake. I think you would Love that one lads 👍👍

we should make this our national anthem

Have you heard the “anthem of England” called Jerusalem? Most including myself would consider this our true national anthem and prefer it to god save the king

The organ of the Royal Albert Hall has exactly 9,999 pipes. It's not the biggest organ in the world (I think that's in the USA) but what a rich sound the full organ makes!

Apart from I Vow to They My Country, I also like Abide With Me, which was the hymn used in the closing scene of “A Bridge Too Far”.

I always associate this hymn with the funeral of Sir Winston Churcill. Holst composed beautiful music and the planets is definitely worth a listen

We used to sing this at school

2:28 That is Dame Vera Lynn (1917-2020). She was a very popular and well known sing er during WW2. She went out to Burma to entertain the troops, and is well known for a few key wartime songs. It would be worth reacting to videos about her specifically.

After they sang the Poppies dropped,a petal for every British and commenweath Soldier that fell during both world wars

JPS I think it is wonderful the way you relate to the UK and our history and pride. There are definitely some British genes in you!

Shivers & when the poppy petals fall it's a choker ❤

Patriotic and Proud of the UK. The Late Queen was commander in chief of the UK armed forces

One of the highlights from the Festival of Remembrance in 1992 was that a star guest was George Ives (1881-1993). He was the last surviving veteran soldier from the 2nd Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa.

I love this hymn Joel, it's very moving ❤️

Glad you liked the song, fun fact the tune the USA national anthem Star spangled banner is sung to is a British drinking song call Anacreon in Heaven.

Music by British composer Gustav Holtz who also wrote one of my favourite Christmas tunes, ‘In the Deep Midwinter’.

This makes me cry.

As a schoolboy in the 1960’s in the U.K. we used to sing this in morning assemblies. It was like a school anthem. Always loved this piece. Got to admit hearing this made me tear up.

The music for I Vow to thee My Country and The Star Spangled Banner do have common roots; they were both written by British composers: Gustav Holst and John Stafford Smith. The words for I Vow to thee My Country were written by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, who was British ambassador to the United States during World War One, so another link with the Americans.

It’s not about glorifying military and war it’s about remembering those who lost their lives serving their country, also once a soldier it’s not about what you think is a good cause you just have to take orders no matter what and failing to do so you’ll end up in prison or if your in at war you could be executed on the spot. highly recommend a real life documentary called (guarding the Queen) very educational and interesting and you won’t be so misinformed

Such a beautiful song

The tune is actually found in the middle of the classical piece “Jupiter” by Holst. I always loved the tune, even before I knew lyrics had been put to it

The Queen and Prince Phillip I believed never missed their attendance in her 70 year Reign. Look it up again for Winston Churchill's funeral amazing. Please think about the context. this is a Memorial Tribute to our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they have made. Here in the UK and the wider Commonwealth. Politicians from every party, The Royal family and all tri services are honoured as well as Merchant Services. I was at that Service and it was deeply moving.

These songs where to give the UK people faith and hope in dark times.

I would certainly suggest songs from other parts of GB - Scotland- Scotland the Brave, Flower of Scotland (unofficial national anthem); Wales - their National Anthem; it is sung in Welsh, but incredibly uplifting, I am not familiar with songs from Northern Ireland but I’m sure others can give suggestions. Thanks so much, this was lovely!

My fathert served in WW2 and we sang this hymn at his funeral in 2012 Diana princess of wales had it at her funeral

This is one of my favourite hymns and should of been Englands National Anthem.

The Queen also served in the Armed services in WW2

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR HOPE YOU FEEL BLESSED AND HAVE A WONDERFUL AND UNIQUE TIME

You should notice that this song was sung by nearly everyone without reference to the words -- it used to be that everyone was taught it at school and it was eventually expected to be sung from memory. It is one of several patriotic songs of the age. The three most important which were taught to all school kids are, apart from this one, "Land of Hope and Glory," "Rule Britannia" and "Jerusalem."

My interpretation of the song is that it is patriotic. The love they sing about is the love they have for their country - the "her" mentioned being Britannia (Britain, the UK) - not England as some people in the comments seem to think.

1:13 That’s the Queen (1926-2022) and also Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021).

At 1:07, It is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with her husband, Prince Phillip by her side, (to her right), Philip, duke of Edinburgh (born June 10, 1921, Corfu, Greece-died April 9, 2021, Windsor Castle, England) husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Philip's father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark (1882-1944), a younger son of King George I of the Hellenes (originally Prince William of Denmark). 🇬🇧😎👍🏼

It was played at my father’s funeral

Hello Joel and pal. Others already commented on significance. I spotted you before on livestreams on SoGal. Sarah did a watch along this year of this festival, if you wanted to see more, though the original broadcast was BBC. I used to watch with my dad, as a kid. He was in the Royal Navy at your age.

The Hymn not song, it’s a service of Remembrance for the British Soldiers lost in all Wars. Remember the UK was the only Country not invaded by Hitlers army. Never Forgotten. Amen 🙏🙏🙏

My favourite ever, and also the favourite of Diana Princess of Wales.

Only if u served u know what this mean, the final sacrifice u will give. For King and Country.

If you guys want something to marvel at, how about reacting to a guy called Jeremy Clarkson telling the tale of ‘the greatest raid of all’ - effectively telling the story of the birth of special forces while telling an unbelievable story of a British commando raid in Nazi occupied France…

Awww, our Queenie. Bless her soul ❤️

This hymn will always be a part of me. Ever since childhood, I've known it to be one of my Mum's favourite pieces of music. My Dad had Holst's Planets Suite album on his old 60s Reel to Reel tape recorder. And whenever he played it, if Mum wasn't in the room when Venus aka I Vow To Thee My County, came on, he'd call for her, or get me to find her, so she could listen to it. And when she past last year, we had it as one of her hymns. So to me, it'll always have a special place in my heart.

Something very essential you missed about this song: the second verse is about "another country", the Country of God it refers to.

I’ve said it before a million times and I’ll say a million more… there is nothing wrong with being patriotic. In fact it is to be encouraged at every opportunity.

My Brother was a Royal Marine and we lost him in Afghanistan, It’s a Brotherhood

Also, in the audience they showed Vera Lynne known as the `forces sweetheart' for her singing to the troops in the field , she went out and did shows for them where they were billeted.

In Britain we remember those who we lost in WW1, WW2 and those conflicts, wars since on the 11 November as such we televise once a year the Remembrance Parade on the nearest Sunday to the 11th November, and in the Albert Hall there is a Remembrance Service again this is televised when the reigning monarch attends. It is a service to remember those we lost, and it lasts about an hour, there are celebrities singing songs, hymns sung by the audience (or congregation) and little playlets done by service personnel. It is something to watch at least once, I don’t know if it can be found on RU-vid- but check it out. Other than these two things I don’t think there is anything else on British TV that celebrates the lives of our service personnel. I have marched on the Remembrance Parade twice and it was an honour to do so.

Prince Phillip the tall man next to the Queen was the queens husband

Friends and Family will always be important, critical debate, should always be welcome.

there is another country i heard of long ago, tis grace to them that know her and faith to them that know. we may not count her armies we may not see her king, for her fortress is a faithful heart her pride is suffering, and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, and her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace amen

I think the most important part about this song is that they are also vowing to help any country that is on their knees and asking for peace! Our country and is saying its part of our love and loyalty to help any other country in times of need. Maybe it's something our country needs to remember in this current climate 🤔

Queen and Country....my 22 yr sevice

The Festival of Remembrance is celebrated in UK every year in November. November 11 being Armistice Day. The concert you were watching is held every year in The Royal Albert Hall and is always attended by the Monarch, parliamentary dignitaries, representatives from The Military and the public. The Festival of Remembrance spans the weekend closest to November 11 with parades on Armistice Day and on the Sunday closest to 11 November we have the ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, attended by the Royal Family and representatives from across the Commonwealth. You can Google the parade which is worth watching.

From the stretch of World War One and encompassing World Two and then leading to further confrontation I’m always respectful ❤️

We will stand together is another beautiful song, Ramin Kaimloo sings it perfectly at the Service of Rememberance.

It’s a notion of spirit, Brothers in arms bear the brunt ❤️

The second verse is talking about heaven where our loved ones should all be ❤

The last stanza talks about another Country, which is Heaven. The writer of the poem, which Holst put to music, talks about a Christian's allegiance to both country and God.

Love the T-Shirt ☺ I went to see the Division Bell tour at Earls Court in 1994... Still got the T Shirt and ticket 😉.

The music for this hymn is from the middle section of Op. 32 Jupiter from the Planets suite by Gustav Holst, an English composer from 1874-1934.

Please watch Alfie Boe singing Bring him home, from this year's remembrance festival. It definitely stirs the emotions

The Festival of Remembrance is always on the Saturday evening before our Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, the next morning, closest to the llth day of the llth month of the year when the Armistice was signed at the end of WW1. The Royal British Legion organise it. It's a mix of music by the military and civilian celebrities. In between the music and songs there are filmed sequences about the men/women on the battlefield, or about a new rehabilitation centre perhaps, or maybe about a family coping while their serviceman/woman is away. Or even about a family in mourning. It's usually quite an emotional event. During a two minute silence one poppy petal is dropped from above for every soldier/sailor/airman who has given their life, from the time of WW1 until the present day, to keep us all safe. It's televised nationally every year. The Royal British Legion (the event organisers) also manufacture paper red poppies all year, usually employing ex servicemen/women, which are sold from October onwards in shops, on the streets, outside supermarkets etc. Almost everyone here in the UK buys them. The monies collected go towards supporting/helping/healing our military and their families in times of trouble. The next day (Sunday) all around the country - every village, town and city - people gather at local war memorials to honour our fallen. There's a big Ceremony though too at the London Cenotaph on the street of Whitehall. The Royal Family, the Government, the Opposition, Representatives of the 58 Countries of the Commonwealth, a Delegation from The Netherlands and more lay wreaths of poppies around the Cenotaph. Two minutes silence. Short Service. Massed military bands play music throughout the event. Then afterwards veterans - more that 10,000 of them - march past the Cenotaph as a sign of respect and hand any poppy wreaths they have to waiting volunteers who lay them at the Cenotaph on each groups behalf. If you are interested there are excepts of both ceremonies on You Tube, but if you have time you can watch it in full. This year's one is 'Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2023' and 'Remembrance Sunday 2023: The Cenotaph/12th November 2023/BBC ' - David Dimbleby is the commentator - one of our national treasures. Hope this helps.

6:02 definitely watch a whole Festival of Remembrance, it’s an annual even at Remembrance weekend in November.

Festival of remembrance takes place every year at the Royal Albert Hall the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday. Two minutes silence to remember all those that gave their lives is observed everywhere, including supermarkets and workplaces at 11 o'clock, on the 11th day of the 11th month, (the time and date Germany surrendered). At the festival during the two minutes silence, poppies fall down continuously, representing the lives lost for our freedom today. The service on the Sunday is where the wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph by the Monarch, Royal family, government and Commonwealth countries. Just so you know... 1:19 The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Prince Charles. 1:46 Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, PM David Cameron and wife. 2:28 Dame Vera Lynne, 'the forces sweet heart' kept up moral with songs like White Cliffs of Dover, and We'll Meet Again.

Absolutely remembering those that made sacrifices. There's nothing detrimental to any other country. I enjoyed the post.

It’s for the fallen and most bravest men who sacrificed their lives for the country during WW1 and it’s a vow to the country of Great Britain 🫡🫡🫡

.. The festival of remembrance is held every year in November at armistice to honour the dead of two world wars …not to glorify war in any way … it’s an opportunity for all to remember those didn’t come home..and is observed by people of all ages from the very young to the oldest ..Well done you for sharing this … You likened the song to The Star spangled Banner ..indeed many in the uk believe this should be our national anthem ..I just love the song ..as many of us do ..❤

It’s a great hymn

This is a Classical piece with words added later. I wouldn't class this as patriotic music I suppose it has become an anthem for remembrance in the UK, but it is sung in other countries as well. I've attended the Festival of Remembrance a few times. There is two performances on the saturday before Remembrance Sunday, the Royal Family and Prime Minister attend the later show. The BBC record both performances and then piece together and broadcast the show at 9pm on the Saturday night.

Hey guys, just watching ur reactions to the tt. Cam Donald has a great vid, on board camera with cam doin commentary, l think it was his 600 in this vid. That'll lead you to Hickey, who is the fastest man around there. Not to mention all the greats who hav ridden there. Haven't been yet... Njoy!😊

Should be England's national anthem.

You should definately check out, jerusalem. Its the national hym. Plus rule brittania played at the proms is really good.

You should watch the petal drop at the festival of remembrance so moving

It should be england's national anthem

You should listen to Luke Evans (the actor) sing this at the Rembrance Service in 2022.

I could be wrong but I think the music is Jupiter from Holst's Planets Suite.

The ‘other country’ that the song refers to is Heaven

I live in Thaxted where Gustav Holst lived for a while. Gustav also wrote the music to the Planets.

Always push forward, friends and family are important ❤️

2nd verse all about heaven

Gustav Holst knew how to write a blooming good tune with this taken from 'The Planets' written in 1917 with the hymn version created in 1921.

Yeah the festival is about remembering those who lost their lives. The "other country" mentioned in the song is Heaven, which slowly and silently fills up with lost souls. You should do a reaction to Land of Hope and Glory.

English national anthem is Jerusalem another great hymn.

It would be good to see you react to ‘Jerusalem’, a hymn many (including myself) feel should be England’s national anthem. It’s usually sung at Last Night Of The Proms. It’s a beautiful and moving song, not remotely militaristic. It’s about creating a better country and society rather than saying ‘we’re the best!’.

The remembrance service is very specific to those lost in war, it has nothing to do with being british or trying to recruit. National anthems in sport should be limited to just multi-national games.

Side note, The Division Bell shirt is hard af

dude this song epitemises the heart and sole of the british people this and Jerusalem by William Blake, pure patriotism in a song

Jerusalem words by the poet William Blake - one of my favourites.