I have to say, traveling to England for the first time was truly a remarkable experience. Not only did I have the opportunity to go to another country across the Atlantic Ocean, I also was able to meet new people that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. After being back in the states for about two weeks now, I’ve been telling pretty much anyone that will listen about the experience. The one place that I always make sure to include is Westminster Abbey. The different levels of significance this place has is astounding. From the gothic architecture and the enormous size of the cathedral to its significance as a holy cathedral, to its place commemorating World War II, there is something that would interest anyone.
From the front, Westminster Abbey is gorgeous, but a person can’t really see how large the structure actually is. Surrounded by more modern buildings, the Abbey claims the area as her own, and stands out immediately as something special. Walking inside you are struck with the height of the ceilings and the intricate detailing on the ceilings and walls. Once you get past this initial awe, you are again struck with the overwhelming sadness of two important monuments from World War II. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior lies in the middle of the aisle surrounded by red poppies. What was most significant was the fact that this is the only tomb in Westminster Abbey that people are not allowed to walk on. There is a long quote etched onto the tomb that concludes with, “They buried him among the Kings because he had done good toward God and toward His house”. This stood out to me because this unknown warrior stands for all the unnamed deceased resulting from WWII that also proved they are deserving of such a burial.
Also near the front door was a large book in a glass case that did not look like much at first. However, as I looked at it more closely I noticed that there were several names written in columns on the two open pages. A small plaque stated that the numerous names listed in this book were the names of civilians that died from enemy action during World War II. Underneath this open book were the other six volumes that constitute the entire collection of names. I was amazed at the collection and it really made me think about how many innocent lives were lost during the war. These names reside in a place where Kings and Queens of England are buried alongside notable people like: Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Chaucer, and Charles Dickens.
These two moments of awe made the reality of WWII in England apparent. As an American it’s hard to truly understand the effect the war had on England. We, as a country, only experienced the attack on Pear Harbor. England experienced countless bombings on innocent people that devastated their home. There were countless other monuments I saw in my time in England, but these two being in such an important space solidified how deeply the country felt and continue to feel the effects of World War II. I have attached a few pictures of the outside of Westminster Abbey, but photographs inside the abbey are not allowed and out of respect I did not take any. However, the pictures of the outside do show a glimpse of how beautiful the building is. 
-Giorgi Ervolina