I’m watching the BBC’s live broadcast of the national service of commemoration at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, honoring those who fought and those who died in Britain’s most recent military campaign in Afghanistan. Everything about the service conveys the appropriate tone of solemnity, honor, and respect, from the choices of music, to the scripture readings, to the prayers. It is a stunning spectacle of vestments, dress uniforms, and royalty.

The Brits do these things so much better than we do in the States. It’s a pity they’ve had so much practice.