Californian Reacts | Star Spangled Banner played at Buckingham Palace for 9/11

[@californianreacts]

"Just to put a little perspective on this, in its history, the UK has never played another nations anthem at the gates of Buckingham palace outside of a state visit. The Queen personally authorized the guard to break protocol and play this to give the Americans trapped in London due to airport closure some comfort after 9/11. There is no greater gesture of solidarity we could give another nation. Our child was in pain, and we were here for you." - original comment by Whoami691 on a similar video. Have a story from this day? I'd love to hear it.

[@angusclark8330]

In 2001 I worked in a factory in the UK owned by an American electronic manufacturer. Part of our test system for Dell PCs etc was a row of televisions fixed along the wall of one of our production halls about twelve feet above floor level. When the first plane struck the World Trade Center all those televisions were tuned to CNN or CBS. Within a minute everyone in the factory knew there had been a terrible accident. Some began to think right away that it was a terrorist attack; I was one of them, having spent time in western Asia and having never forgotten what I saw and heard there. Less than a minute after the second plane struck the second tower all the TVs were turned off at their common circuit breaker. Everyone was ordered back to their work station. All conversation was forbidden under penalty of dismissal. The order for this came from our California HQ. Business, after all, is Business.

[@Toffee8370]

I was a British Army Warrant Officer, serving in Canada at the time this happened. We were working in a large communications building, containing a massive cinema type screen, which was showing the live stream of events. Working with us at the time, were a few American soldiers of varying rank. The pain and shock on, not just their faces, but everyone else's too, said it all. I had also been in that exact part of the Pentagon, some time before.

[@wor53lg50]

Thell never do it again that for sure, after witnessing their opinions this sept 2022!!!!! an arm around an ally means a lot when ur at war!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!treacherous bastards get left at the curb side!!

[@davidjensen4702]

I remember hearing about the attacks during a work meeting and had several emotions anger, sadness, patriotism, fear etc. It's heartwarming that our allies at the time showed the utmost respect with their tears. Thank you to our British allies, and family and her majesty for doing this. #9-11neverforget! Peter Jennings the ABC News anchor's reaction said it all

[@LUFC123]

Our Queen was a class act

[@jen-a-purr]

We appreciated the British for this. It still makes me emotional. It was heard loud & clear. Thank you.

[@RockyBobbieBuster]

American?

[@jimmy2k4o]

We’re family Someone screws with you they screw with us.

[@bobbyuk5866]

She broke a 600 year tradition, for a true friend ,and even a brother. May the five eyes always be united. 🇨🇦🇳🇿🇺🇸🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@catpainblackudder01]

The Five Eyes, also known as "Don't tell the French" ...

[@Insperato62]

@@catpainblackudder01 One of them was very close friends with the French ..... they gave them much help to gain independence.

[@catpainblackudder01]

@@Insperato62 Times change, so do allies ...

[@nedludd3641]

The Yanks saved us in 1940 when we stood alone against Nazis tyranny. The least we could was play 'em a song. God Bless America.

[@Officialnrb]

@@nedludd3641 We saved ourselves in 1940. The yanks joined in after Germany declared war on them.

[@helenwood8482]

I remember everyone agreeing that this was the right thing to do. We all wanted to show our support, especially to Americans who were far from home. As always, the Queen knew how to respond.

[@zacharyharwell351]

And the British will always have our love and respect because of it. If Britain is ever threatened, expect American reinforcements, whether that be military or volunteers. USA💙GB

[@alundavies1016]

It was such an obviously correct thing to do, it was no real effort, but must have brought some relief to those Americans stuck in the UK. My brother was stuck in NY trying to get home for a week. All flights were off and it took days to get out.

[@andrewd1872]

Even years later much love to our brothers and sisters showing respect to the usa playing the star spangled banner it really was a show of love and we really do appreciate it ❤️

[@susanmyers4029]

♥️|🇬🇧 TY !!

[@kizunadragon9]

Like a mother comforting her wounded child. The Queen herself requested this. Being a friend to the US for so many years she knew how much our Anthem means to us. RIP your majesty

[@andreaboswell6036]

And she was LOVED SO much. May she rest in eternal peace ❤

[@Shrasha]

She broke protocol requesting this personally. A sign of our strength and friendship, allies and family together as countries.

[@burney7418]

HMTQ was the grandmother to our nation has ever had. During Covid she gave a speech that was like a huge cuddle. Best I've ever heard. RIP my Queen.

[@oliversherman2414]

As a Brit, I love that our royal guards did this to show their respect for those who were affected by 9/11. Much respect to our American cousins 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇲

[@joylindadichamounix]

As an American, The UK is my favorite place to be!

[@oliversherman2414]

@@joylindadichamounix Thanks! I like your country too 🇬🇧💙🇺🇸

[@Daniel-w6l4k]

Peace to you, my brother . Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄.

[@IcerinAlaska49]

I cried when this happened. An unimaginable display of support from her Majesty. God bless her and may she rest in peace❤

[@ronlackey2689]

I've got a good mind to cross the pond and personally hug every one of you. This still resonates with me to this day.

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

You should.

[@daisymaisy4877]

🤜🤛❤

[@WarhammerWings]

I'd accept a hug.

[@ronlackey2689]

@@WarhammerWings 🫂

[@Shrasha]

Thank you for playing God Save Our Queen after the Manchester bombings.

[@ofb1583]

Tradition is still genuinely important here in the UK, That her majesty broke hundreds of years of it, to reach out to loved ones in pain, is as profound as it gets. Only a gesture but heartfelt, just call & we're at your shoulder again.

[@catherinemontgomery7130]

there were also over a 100 british people missing at that point, i think it was 67 who actually died, the worst death count for british people in a terrorist attact at that time

[@christopherfisher7805]

When a ruthless gang of thugs blindsided you, knocking you to the ground following up with kicks and body blows, leaving you hurt , wounded and bleeding, then a voice calls out, " Let me help you up!" It's your old friend ,Great Britain, offering what comfort they can in the moment. Then you know who your friends are, that's for sure!!

[@LisaEvans26]

I read a comment once that summed up for me the relationship between our countries… ‘ when the eagle calls, the lions roar’

[@bikerkermit]

That's beautiful...

[@jimmy2k4o]

And the little Wiley unicorn follows (Scotland)

[@bambamnj]

All respect and love to our brothers and sisters in the UK. This was truly a classy thing for them to do. May our countries always be close and be there for each other until the end of days.

[@bladeschick1]

God bless you all from the UK 🇺🇸 ❤️🇬🇧

[@Bobmudu35UK]

🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@oldpain7625]

Thank you to the Queen in heaven, may she rest in peace, and to everyone here for reminding me that we aren't alone in this world. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@tiffanystarbeck2279]

I remember crying so hard, thank Queen Elizabeth for respect for our fallen. You are amazing, we love you! 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@robertclark6992]

The best rendition ever. Played with such a loving and tender feel that only a British brass band can do. The rendition brought stronger emotions to me than the typical treatment.

[@teemarie5478]

I have so so much respect for them for doing this gesture. I understand it’s something they’d never done prior for 100’s of years. It was truly terrifying times back then.

[@johnharper3909]

I was in New Jersey on 9/11,ahead of a 3 month visit for my 50th birthday and remember the day so vividly.The queen's gesture on 13/9 shows you who your true friends are

[@paulmorris3669]

Never doubt that😊

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

Retired U.S. military member here ... We love the British People; they are our brothers and sisters, and yes, we always have each others' backs. But you need to understand how significant this gesture was. While, yes, it was the British People supporting us in solidarity, it was actually MUCH deeper and INFINITELY more PERSONAL. The playing of the U.S. National Anthem at the gates of Buckingham Palace was only possibe -- and was in fact done -- at the DIRECT PERSONAL "REQUEST" of the late, GREAT Queen .. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In so "requesting," she broke a 600+ year tradition of NOT playing another Nation's anthem at the monarch's home. Elizabeth II was a highly respected and beloved individual here in America long before 9/11 ... and most certainly continuing thereafter as well. Beyond our "consanguinity" (referenced by the Declaration of Independence itself) and our common free democratic values, our Nations have stood shoulder to shoulder through the two most violent, lethal, and devastating wars known in human history (WW I & WW II), and through several deadly conflicts and terrorist attacks thereafter. Indeed, then-Princess Elizabeth herself was a WW II veteran in her own right -- having enlisted in the British Army as a truck mechanic upon attaining age 18! She was an incredible person -- thoroughly regal, yet completely unafraid to "get her hands dirty" with us "commoners." This additional feature of Elizabeth II is why her gesture was SO special to us Americans -- it was far more than some "political gesture" or "doing the right thing" for a wounded ally (both of which were certainly true) -- but it was also DEEPLY PERSONAL by Her Majesty ... she "got" the U.S. and the American People. We will never forget her, nd will always honor her memory.

[@eastcoastwolf]

As an US Army Vet, totally agree man. This meant the world to us.

[@barrymcmanmon9595]

Brothers!

[@CrystalTwinStar]

This was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. It was very kind and respectful but what made it so poignant is that the monarch hadn't allowed it in 600 yrs due to the history between them and us. This made me love and adore and admire her even more than I already did. 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇲 The news anchor's name is Peter Jennings from ABC News and he was a wonderful man. (I mean what I know of him from the viewers perspective)

[@stevehilton4052]

This kind of thing was so typical of the Queen,it shows respect and empathy for our friends.......

[@jimdaw65]

Not just governments either, but for ordinary Americans trapped in the UK, unable to fly home at that time. I hope it gave them some slight comfort.

[@bepolite6961]

You are our friends, how else could we express our support and empathy for you. It's what friends do.

[@GM8101PHX]

I am a veteran and this brought me to tears seeing the nation of Great Britain play our national anthem in front of Buckingham Palace!! The British stood beside us when we needed them most, having served in the military two things never happen, our flag never touches the ground, and the national anthem is never interrupted!! If either of those happens it is fighting time!!

[@shirleyn546]

It was a terrible day, one the world should never forget. Our 2 countries are joined by hearts, and I hope this will always be 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@ritapitt8273]

kind regards from the UK 🇬🇧 a sad memory for the USA 🇺🇸 and a very sad time for us across the pond RIP your majesty 🙏 💔

[@bobbyuk5866]

I couldn't agree more, Cuz?

[@wendylinton453]

GOD BLESS OUR FAMILY ACROSS THE POND...❤

[@catherinemontgomery7130]

i'm in the uk and i remember it happening as if it was yesterday, i was at work and until i saw a video the other day, i dont know why but i thought at the time that it was just americans that were killed, it never occured to me that there were foreign nationals killed as well, brits, french, japanese and many many more. at the time the towers fell there were over 100 brits unaccounted for and 67 of those died, it was the most british people killed in the worst terrorist atrocity ever. my heart also goes out to the families and friends of those thousands of americans who were in those towers that day. when you saw those first responders run into those buildings to help people and you know that most of them probably didnt get out, how brave and selfless they were the british will always stand with you america terrorism cannot be allowed to win, no matter who the victims are.

[@BarryGlover-r9i]

Allies and friends 4 ever

[@TheDiomedef16]

You summed it up perfectly, we are separated by an ocean but the US is, and I hope, always will be our closest brothers and sisters. We watch each other’s backs.

[@albin2232]

The UK and US military have a very warn relationship, and have worked and trained together a lot. There's a strong mutual respect between them 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 Glory to the Heroes.

[@Whippy99]

I remember this like it was yesterday. We Brits were absolutely devastated at what we were witnessing in the USA. I cried for hours for my American brothers and sisters. God Bless America 🇺🇸 ❤🇬🇧

[@jonathanlandau-litewski7405]

We lost nearly 70 of our own that day. The UK was the country that had the 2nd highest death toll after the USA.

[@jacobean_connie]

May the alliance between these two nations last forever. Love you guys, from the UK. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@jakecollins6097]

The changing of the guard ceremony has taken place almost every day since 1698. This was the first and only time that another country's national anthem has been played as part of the ceremony. It speaks volumes of Britain's love for the US despite our auspicious beginnings in the 17 hundreds and is a glimpse into the wonderful heart of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

[@CEP73]

After all these years I still cannot fathom what happened on that day. I was 28. I walked into work (in the UK) everyone was gathered around the huge TV watching it all unfold. There was complete silence in the room. Complete disbelief.

[@MsPinkwolf]

Same. I was slightly older but didn't know anything about the world trade centre. When I saw the 1st tower collapse I assumed everyone had got out by then so the true impact didn't register for quite a while either.

[@californianreacts]

Still brings strange emotions to me when I think of the day or see any footage from that day. I was 10 at the time, very young but old enough to understand something was very wrong. No one knew what was happening for quite awhile it seemed. Appreciate the story.

[@Insperato62]

To put in perspective, some British rather wondered what the extreme reaction was about. One day of bombing. My mother was bombed out of her family home twice, grew tired of being bombed (Liverpool) and being hungry, so she joined the WAAFs and was bombed on her bomber aerodrome! No disrespect was intended. Just an historical footnote that will disappear.

[@Stevesixty7]

@Insperato62 Whilst I respect that of course, being a Brit myself, that day was so very different to what you are referring to. I think it's unfair to compare a world war to a single terrorist attack that claimed thousands of innocent lives in a few hours, not to mention those who subsequently died due to asbestosis etc. Again, no disrespect, but September 11th was a big deal in history. I'm 55 and both my Grandfather's served in the forces, leaving their family behind, not knowing what was going to happen to them at home. War is brutal, terrorism is pure evil.

[@Mk1Male]

@@Insperato62 You're not putting it into perspective at all. In comparison, it is trivial what your family went through.

[@chriscambridge5737]

In WW2 we gave a promise, and our word is our Bond. Your loss is our loss. And after the last few days it would seem our loss is yours also. UK/US are cousins, and family is everything.

[@annabelperkins3572]

When good stands united it will always prevail! 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸

[@lauraroe2632]

As a Brit I still am shocked til this day for what happened in America. It was so sad but we and Americans will always be United and as you keep saying brothers and sisters we are one big family always will have your back and you ours my thoughts will forever be with all those affected on 9/11 such a sad ❤

[@trevorveail]

September 12 2001 was the last night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. As well as the British national anthem the Americam national anthem was also played.

[@irisgolding736]

I think it was Leonard Slatkin?? who was the conductor. The programme had been changed to accommodate some pieces more in tune with the somberness of the days after the incident. Addressing the audience and wrapping up the concert, he said 'this has not been the concert you wanted or the concert I wanted. All men shall be brothers. Let us resolve to meet again, one year from now to have the concert that we all wished to have this evening but couldn't'.

[@fasillimerick7394]

"Canada's there, too". No truer words to describe Canada's relationship with the US have been spoken.

[@katethorpe4943]

Britain appreciates the bond between herself and the American people. 👏👏👏👏

[@3lli0]

She broke protocol and 600 or so years of tradition to do this

[@sheilatruax6172]

I was stunned when I heard of this (was at work). I have always loved and respected Her Majesty. This just put a lid on it. And deeply apologize for my fellow Americans and their crass, insensitive remarks at her passing. People like that have no respect for anyone or anything. May the Queen rest in eternal glory! God save the King!

[@MrRQBQ]

I remember this very well, it brought tears to my eyes and I'm not even American. The US came to Britain's aid in our darkest hour when Europe fell and we stood alone against Nazi Germany so I was so glad we were able to make this gesture at America's time of need.

[@dilligaf4219]

wasnt just britain, dont forget the Aussies and the Kiwis were there as well, but yes, HM's heartfelt gesture was pure class (RIP QEII)

[@MrRQBQ]

@@dilligaf4219 I accept what you say but on this occasion it wasn't the Aussies or Kiwis who were the victims of a terrorist attack.

[@dilligaf4219]

@@MrRQBQ agreed, we didn't go through a terrorist attack on that scale although we did have a couple of small ones. I was talking about WWII when we sent our troops to help out Britain and frankly couldn't get any back when we were attacked as we were promised when we sent ours, I am not making light of 911, it was a very dark day

[@liamearl6386]

I was 11 years old when this happened it’s one of them moments in history you will never forget if you where old enough to remember I’m from the UK and I remember it quite well I also remember been in school all the hole school was called to assemble in the hall to make a moment of silence and the head teacher played a song called where were you when the world stopped turning by Alan Jackson it’s still sad to think about now. And then I see that the US ARMY field band plays god saved the queen when she passed again much respect America we might of been enemies at one point but now we are bonded by blood and honour

[@johnwilletts3984]

You need to remember that the tune of the American National Anthem is an 18th century British drinking song. But I’m sure the Queen gave the order out of friendship.

[@glastonbury4304]

You know the star spangled banner is an old British drinking song , we will always be tied together, much love from the UK today...

[@flamingfrancis]

You are trying to say that the melody / music of the SSB is based on the drinking song. The words are most definitely not.

[@glastonbury4304]

@@flamingfrancis of course the words aren't...just the music was copied from an old English drinking song

[@erinstanger416]

The Queen’s guard also played the Star Spangled Banner on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧

[@RAGING_MIRAGE]

September 11 2001 was just horrific! I was 24 and was just sat watching TV when these live news feeds interrupted everything that was on. What unfolded was the stuff of nightmares. All those poor innocent people who lost their lives for nothing. Still brings a tear 21 years later. That was a nice touch though by her Majesty The Queen to have them play the American National anthem. God bless you all..

[@californianreacts]

It truly was, and a very meaningful, beautiful gesture by The Queen which makes this video so much more special to me. A day that stood still.

[@oldfartinthenight9201]

When flights resumed to the USA after 911, I travelled there with a colleague on business. We were always treated with great friendship and generosity, this trip even more so. The bond of friendship had been made even stronger in the face of evil.

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

Thank you, Britain.

[@marynorth7988]

Oh my goodness...so many thoughts of that dreadful day.... the horror of it all is still the same after all these years . The loss of lives..the emergency services who had to cope with all the horric injuries , families who lost lives ....the list goes on.! FOR what ??? In all of my 74 yrs ..this day is etched on my heart... So as a Brit hearing your anthem at the request of my late Queen ...tears all over again. ! God Bless America .

[@KainaluFerreira-yf8uw]

9/11 was years before i was born but my parents told me about this and showed me the video. nothing but the utmost respect for her majesty and the people of the UK at all times. may she rest in peace and this was truly a beautiful gesture.

[@wolfie934]

It was all Her Late Majesty’s idea. She wanted to provide some comfort to citizens of the US in the UK.

[@geoffpoole483]

That gesture has stuck in people's memories longer than the words of any politician.

[@Crantock-l1v]

The French, Australians and the Germans I believe also did something similar but the palace playing that anthem was the first image of defiance and unity the world saw from a place of tradition. The Queen broke the tradition that had lasted 600 years, that was extraordianary and a true measure of the monarch and her understanding of the world.

[@DrBLReid]

God Save The King! God Bless the memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

[@paranoidgenius9164]

They said that no one else could compose as good as the British do because after all I haven't seen an Allie as close as our American brothers & sisters.❤️🇬🇧🇺🇲❤️

[@MelanieMaddox-z9z]

Our queen respected your country even though your country didn't realise it our late queen respected you all every though you didn't see it she loved you all❤❤

[@tarquin4592]

I met an American guy today in Trafalgar Square. London. He told me he was in England to visit Lakenheath where his Dad served in the USAAF. Not only that, but his uncle had also served with them and he was going to visit that airbase as well. He was from Chicago and asked me how to get to Buckingham Palace and being a know all Londoner I gave him directions before we said our goodbyes. It was sometime later when it dawned on me that I hadn't asked his name and that I had a book on the USAAF which I would have willingly sent to his home address. Oh, he also planned to visit Duxford in Cambridge, another pilgrimage to honor all who served. God bless the USA.

[@julesmarwell8023]

Oz guy here. heard you.. and thanks for your respect. and I;m not a Brit. same would happen here. don't worry. cous

[@johnbaldock6353]

When a Mother Weeps for her Child!!🇬🇧❤🇺🇸😢

[@ithewonder]

I'm British and the Coldstream guards playing this anthem really got to me. Lovely thing to do on such an horrific time, god bless all our American cousins.

[@wanderingfool6312]

U.K. resident. Remember listening to what was happening at work on the radio, no smart phones to see pictures so really didn’t understand what was going on until I got home, turned on the TV just as another plane hit, no words.

[@coolhacker1025]

"That reporter" is Peter Jennings, I believe. 9/11 happened when I was in seventh grade (12 years old). Our school Principal got on the school TV system and announced what had happened. At the church service a couple of days later, the Queen joined in singing the American anthem, which as a rule, she never does

[@choochoo9506]

I was 39. I'm American. This brought me to tears when they did us. Our cousins across the pond.

[@davidaustin5741]

Right on brothers! Right on brothers in arms,! God bless America, and Great Britain too,!

[@nieldooley2906]

In a similar show of respect the United States Army Field Band played music to honour Her Majesty after she passed away. I have just watched on a youtube short it was very moving. I remember where I was and what I was doing on 11th September 2001. When the news first came through into our office in England we thought a light aircraft had crashed into the World Trader Center. It was not until later that evening did I found out the true horror of what had happened.

[@vallee3140]

That was our Queen, so thoughtful of others.

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

I always tear up when I see this footage!

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

The Queen was so kind as to do this after 9/11!

[@markmark63]

We were united in grief. To this day (in 2024), it still remains the most deadly terrorist attack on the British as well. More Brits died in the 911 attacks, than in the London terror attacks of 2005.

[@lorrainet6798]

I was in NYC in 2019 and the memorial at Ground Zero was something I had to see. It’s an amazing memorial and very moving.

[@californianreacts]

I'm looking forward to the day I can see it in person.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

I was a 28 year-old school teacher and it was the last day of the school holidays. I had just been running some errands in my local town, it was about 2pm and an absolutely beautiful early autumn day: warm and sunny - quite unusual for the UK, perhaps! I remember turning the radio on and hearing about the first plane hitting the north tower. I rushed home and immediately switched BBC News 24, which was reporting live from NYC. To my horror and disbelief, a second plane almost immediately came out of nowhere and smashed straight into the south tower. That's when I rang my parents and told them to turn on the TV, and that's when my late father rang his sister - who was living in NYC (Staten Island) at the time. I also have a friend who was working in Manhattan who I tried to contact but I could not get through to him. (He was OK, though.) My point is that the ripple effect from this appalling atrocity was gigantic, and was felt around the world on a deeply personal level. My heart goes out to those who perished and to their loved ones who must still miss them so much today. Thank-you for this lovely video.

[@hoverboverer]

I was working in London at the time. You have to remember that all the flights were cancelled so there were a lot of American stuck overseas that would have liked to have been home.

[@Ukbrummie]

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. I came home from school to my mum crying on the sofa. I asked what's wrong and she pointed at the TV. I'll never forget that day

[@rogoth01themasterwizard11]

i was 11 at the time, i came home from school (i'm British), came into the sitting room and my mam was sat on the sofa with the tv on, as soon as she heared the front door open she just shouted to come in and sit in silence as it was broadcast live, i distinctly remember it because when i walked in the room the first thing i saw on the tv was the 'amateur footage' that was shared from the river point of view a little way out from the WTC location.

[@Paula-dl9ky]

The UK and USA ..... 'United in Brotherhood, Bound by Blood' ..... Aways ..... This made me cry ... Beautiful .... Paula UK x

[@californianreacts]

Yes, agreed! Very beautiful words and mean so much.

[@safeasmilk101]

I'm a 70 year old Brit guy, and I tear-up every time I see this.....

[@may_it_please_the_court]

OMG....can't help but cry thanks Brits.

[@HankD13]

Totally right thing to do, and just like the Queen to break an old tradition - we don't like doing that, but some things are more important. Also remember, 67 Brits also died on 911 - so it was felt here too, very personally.

[@philrobinson981]

It shows the Bond between our 2 countries is strong, You could see the amount of US tourists standing outside the Palace, I recognise Peter Jennings who was one of you're top Newscasters, Even moves you to emotion watching it today...Keep The Faith

[@monza1002000]

I wish more Americans would remember the respect and empathy the British showed after 9/11. So many foul remarks and posts from Americans against QE2 after her death. They show absolutely no knowledge of history or what QE2 did. It gas hurt a lot of British people

[@generaladvance5812]

The Americans aren't a hivemind mate. Some people are nice, some not wherever you go in the world.

[@vallee3140]

Most Americans are civil and respectful, to the RF, especially The Queen, the others dont count.

[@wor53lg50]

Made me look at them in a different light, it will be remembered for along time, and brits have a long memory...

[@georgemorgan8056]

Britain has plenty of it's own detractors,as does the US,though to be fair,they are usualy of the self loathing type that rarely contribute anything to either nation.

[@vickieandrew1010]

I remember that day clearly. Our Country was in shock and mourning with you's. Sending ❤ from 🇬🇧

[@Crantock-l1v]

We were angry too, our Prime minister flew over to sit with the American law makers. regardless of the legality of the following events the fact the UK rapidly stood shoulder to shoulder changed the direction of the events and showed a powerful image of defiance to the would be terrorists of the world. This event did more for western unity than almost any other event in history.

[@annettemoynihan7064]

I wish the new generation of Americans see this before they (some) say laughed when Queen Elizabeth 11 died..She broke protocols for the US 🇺🇸. Please be respectful 🙏

[@9Mtikcus]

Sending love from the UK on today, I remember the events of that day playing out on the radio, as I was at work

[@heartofoak45]

We have had a long association of friendship and endeavour joined together by a common culture and heritage. Long may it remain so. God Bless America. From an Englishman. X

[@accomuk]

I remember it well hearing the news at work when a colleague took a phone call and told us a plane had crashed into the WTC. I had no idea what that was at that point. We heard about the other planes as the day went on but it wasnt till I got home and saw on TV what had happened I really understood the gravity of it all. It seemed at least to us in the UK the US was prepared to go to war but didnt know who with. Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped up and took the lead role of the Western Countries while America was distracted and under attack. We shed tears for those that died in the Towers and the First Responders who died trying to save others. The British were the 2nd highest number of nationalities who died that day. We did what Britain does and stood up and said we are here, we have this for you America. The playing of the Star Spangled Banner at The Palace was to show that bond between was still there and unbroken that day and always.

[@irisgolding736]

I was employed by the Fire Service Special Projects on 9/11 based in a Fire Station on the top floor. It was, as in New York, a crisp Autumn day with a clear sky. There had been a meeting all morning in HQ and we were glad to be back in our little office. A uniformed officer, who also happened to be a joker, ran along the office doors situated on a long corridor and informed them that a plane had hit the World Trade Centre. My uniformed colleagues rushed to the recreation room where the attending crew and TV would be. I, not being trained to respond quickly, thought it was a light plane or something similar and continued eating the remains of a late lunch. When my colleagues returned, they urged me to go down outlining what had happened. Rushing down, I sat in the recreation room with the crew who were scattered across the room on chairs. Normally, they are like a bunch of rowdy schoolboys but it was complete silence and they just stared straight ahead at the TV, hardly moving as if in a trance, with one liners 'no chance of escape', 'this will change the way high rise buildings are built' and 'which idiot designed a building that we can't reach!' and many more statements interspersed with complete silence. There was no point in staying late because concentration had gone. I went home at 4 p.m. Queen Elizabeth had requested the TV, radio, internet to inform all Americans living in, passing through, temporarily resident in London and beyond to come to the Palace gates along with the day and time to hear the Guards play the Star Spangled Banner. The estimate was 5000 at the gate and as, you can see from the video, there were so many who were upset and frightened. Queen Elizabeth just wanted to give Americans a little piece of home as a comfort. She never forgot the help that America gave to the UK and Europe in rebuilding the post war world that she partially inherited as head of the largest monarchy in the world. Buckingham Palace had been bombed. She would address the nation where she urged us not to hate and to be ready to help America if needed in any way. She said she had spoken with President Bush. As Europeans, we knew what terrorism looked like and wanted to put our arms around, you, America. In the days and weeks that followed, there occurred a message on the intranet (all European Fire Service information line) in HQ from the Netherlands Fire Service that they were planning a series of events to raise money for New York, then two days later Germany and Italy joined in followed by most of Europe including the UK. Bake sales, sponsored runs, discos, quizzes, sponsored swims any event to raise money. It became competitive with which country would raise the most money! This would continue for several weeks. The international day of silence - allowing for time changes - occurred and everyone had to line up outside the fire station. I was between two firefighters and the Star Spangled Banner played on a radio then the silence. The firefighter next to me was sniffing, I thought he was feeling a chill and when the silence had finished, I looked up at him and there was a tear running down his cheek which he wiped away in embarrassment I think. That represents the bond firefighters have and it had become crystal clear that the crews knew what the situation on the ground over in New York would be. For the project I was engaged upon, meetings resumed and we all had to attend a meeting in another Fire Service, the HQ of which was situated in a Downton Abbey very old house. We piled out of the car and into the Reception area where we were greeted by the largest Stars and Stripes flag any of us had have ever seen. It covered a wall approximately 10 ft wide and came down to the floor nearly and had a carved message 'For our brothers and sisters in New York'. It would remain there for about two years. We raised thousands of pounds as did individual countries in Europe. All we wanted was to help and it was Europe's way too of saying 'thank you' for rebuilding their countries out of the carnage of World War 2. As for our beloved and now deceased Queen, she demonstrated what monarchies can do what elected officials can't and that is to bring people together in a time of trouble without recourse to debate or discussion, partisanship or parish. RIP Queen Elizabeth and all those who perished on that day and the days that followed.

[@jeffthomas2364]

This was played instead of our own national anthem which would usually be played, this was all done at the command of Her Majesty the queen. Good bless America.

[@helenjarvis7755]

I heard about the attacks, on my car radio, while collecting my children from school. It sounded like WW3 was about to happen. I was frightened and then so upset as the facts came on tv etc RIP to all the victims and love to those left to grieve. 🇬🇧

[@andrewdavies984]

As a British citizen that clip always makes me cry. Shared colours on the flag. Shared language. Shared values shared history...to this day. God bless America and the U.K

[@ClassicWorld19]

We will never forget. We are with you always >3 From the UK to the USA

[@elaines.8038]

I remember the day with clarity. I had just started my shift (it was about 3pm) (I work in a residential home) and was passing a lady's room. Both she and one of my colleagues were watching her television "Elaine, get in here, you need to see this.". I thought it was a disaster film at first but was shocked when I realised .... it was about then that the first tower fell. I went straight to the office to tell the manager and senior to get to a television because "there's something going on in America" When I got back upstairs where I was working, I told my two colleagues to put the TV on (we had music on) and we were GLUED for the rest of the afternoon, although, we did have to tell my ladies and gentlemen it was a film because we were in the EMI (dementia) unit and some people were becoming upset. I know we had the war and the IRA but an atrocity is still an atrocity. My brother's in New York right now and one of the first places he and his girlfriend wanted to go was the 9/11 museum. He posted pictures on Facebook with the caption "No words were spoken because none were needed.". I responded with "True heroes. As others ran away from, they ran towards."

[@colinwelsh2874]

Interesting fact - the tune was written by an English man. It was originally the music to an old English drinking song

[@ark90ELF]

we also sang your anthem at the memorial service at st paul's (there is a video on youtube). apparently the queen also sang it but it's not visible on any surviving footage.

[@mintyfrompolo]

🇬🇧 🇺🇸 9/11 was one of those times that everyone remembers where they were, when the news first broke. Our hearts went out to you all across the pond, and still does every year on the Anniversary. Politicians may have differing views from time to time, but the ordinary person on the street still regard each other's Nation as our closest friends and Allies.

[@nedludd3641]

I was in the middle of the suckiest of sucky staff meetings discussing corporate targets, sales figures, long-term projections, all that good stuff when Richard J poked his head around the door (approx. 16.45 GMT) - "Hey, you gotta switch a telly on. Somethings happened in America."

[@alanhilton7336caradventure]

British or American we're Brothers in Arms through thick and thin.🇺🇸💗🇬🇧

[@californianreacts]

Yes, absolutely!

[@flamingfrancis]

Perhaps you did not realise but Australians and Kiwis and Canadians have fought beside Britain in every war since the Boer Wars.

[@alanhilton7336caradventure]

@@flamingfrancis yup.

[@marksheehan501]

It's so sad to see 22 years later, so many of your own youth find your National Anthem offensive. 😢 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧

[@michellegardenier2174]

I still get tears when I see this video and my niece was the only one besides the president to fly in the air after 9/11 due to an accident that required medvacs

[@efccb3669]

Brothers in Arms 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@Pinchton]

The Queen broke tradition to show support for the American citizens in their hour of grief. We all were saddened by the events of that day and grieved due to the loss of life. Pity looking at news articles etc. from the USA that they couldn't show the same respect when our national anthem was being played after the death of her majesty the Queen.

[@kitskivich]

I apologize on behalf of decent Americans.

[@mickya7829]

We are one family, our ancestors are your ancestors. We are one.

[@steve55sogood16]

Out in the garden, on a lovely sunny day, cutting the grass, when the woman next door, ran out to tell me the 2 towers had been attacked! I ran inside, not really sure what she meant, till I switched on the T.V., then stood there in disbelief at what I was seeing! Seems many in the U.K. reacted similarly, as though it had happened here! A nice gesture from the queen!

[@gregstickler1311]

I live in the UK and 9/11 was my graduation day from university. I was using the bathroom at the theater where the ceremony was being held and another guy came in saying that the World Trade Center had been bombed. I didn't believe it at first but our guest speaker mentioned it in his speech.

[@californianreacts]

It's strange how clearly people remember their day on 9/11. Even at 10 years old as the time myself I felt how off and strange everything was. So still.

[@maryhook9478]

Queen Elizabeth was a class act.

[@gavingiant6900]

It was just under a week from my 17th birthday when it happened. I was meant to be at college, but stayed home that day and had something herbal. Woke up after a little nap (before the second tower) and thought it was a movie. Until I changed the channel and it was on every main channel. I remember texting to tell people to get to a TV. Then the panic set in after the second tower. Its one of those days you won't forget when you heard or saw what happened.

[@myrightfoot8612]

Perhaps some Americans should remember this when they’re slagging off our late Queen…calling her a genocidal, white supremacist for example…which is not just ignorant and wrong, but massively insensitive.

[@garyford3533]

Lefties are in a minority in the USA.

[@garyford3533]

Lefties are in a minority in the USA.

[@garyford3533]

Lefties are in a minority in the USA.