Invitation to join ‘Lights Out’ for WW1 Commemoration

SAM Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Henley Constituency that includes Thame, is inviting the people of Thame to join him in turning their lights out on August 4, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.
 

San Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency

The Lights Out campaign invites people across the country to switch off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, and light a single candle in a shared moment of national reflection.
 
The moment will mark precisely a century since Britain declared war on Germany and formally entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.
 
The campaign is inspired by the words of the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who famously remarked on the outbreak of the war: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”
 
Millions of people across the UK are expected to take part in Lights Out, which will see hundreds of public buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Blackpool Illuminations also turning out their lights.
 
The project is being organised by 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations, with particular support from the Royal British Legion.
 
Sam said: “The First World War was a conflict that changed Britain forever. It touched every family, affected every community and fundamentally altered our country’s place in the world.
 
“The centenary anniversary is a unique opportunity for us to commemorate those who served and sacrificed for us on the frontline and the home front, and to think about the profound impact the war had on our society. 
 
“I hope people across Thame will join me in taking part in the Lights Out campaign and turn out their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4. With the busy lives we lead today, the simple act of pausing, switching off the lights and lighting a candle will be a very powerful tribute.”
 
NB More information about the Lights Out campaign can be found here: http://www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out/
Those using social media should use #LightsOut
 
Official Lights Out candles can be purchased in Marks and Spencer stores or online: http://www.marksandspencer.com/world-war-1-centenary-candle/p/p22340844, with all profits going to the Royal British Legion.