St Paul's welcomes Americans for Thanksgiving celebration

Quoting President Roosevelt, who 70 years ago today hosted Sir Winston Churchill for Thanksgiving dinner, Mr Barzun said: "The president carved the turkey himself and gave the following toast: 'Larger families are usually more closely united than small ones and so this year, with the people of the United Kingdom in our family, we are a large family and more united than before. I propose a toast to unity and may it long continue.' That unity does continue.I see it every day. You see it every day. And we all see it writ large today - here - with such an iconic British Cathedral hosting such a distinctly American holiday."

READ AMBASSADOR BARZUN'S FULL ADDRESS

Mr Barzun, who only took office in August, was joined at the ceremony by his wife and three children. Also with him was his mother, celebrating her 70th birthday.

The service included readings, prayers and music, sung by the Combined Choirs of the American Congregations in London.

Congregational hymns included America, the Beautiful.

The sermon was given by the Reverend Barry Gaeddert, who spoke movingly about the recent loss of his wife, but how his faith meant he still had great thanks to give.

A Colour Guard was be provided by the US Marine Corps.

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St Paul's Cathedral has a long-standing connection with the American people. At the east end of the Cathedral behind the High Altar is the American Memorial Chapel.