1- 2 августа 1914 , Санкт-Петербург1 & 2 August 1914, St Petersburg"It is with calm and dignity that our Mother, Great Russia has learned the news of the declaration of war" the Emperor began in a clear and ringing voice."I am persuaded that it is with the same feeling of calm that we shall conduct ourselves until the end of this war, which is what it is."I solemnly declare here that I shall not make a sign of peace until the last enemy soldier has left our soil……………..""……….The square in front of the Palace was black with the world. Flags, banners, standards all fluttered above the crowd. In the first row, people held portraits of Their Majesties. It was a sea of people. Silence was complete. The crowd seemed to be waiting for something else. And something else occurred.On one of the balconies the Emperor appeared; behind him came the Empress in a white dress.Heads immediately became uncovered, everyone knelt, the flags and standards lowered almost to the ground. The Tsar was greeted by hurrahs and by the hymn and the prayer "Spassi, Gospodi, ludi tvoya" (Lord, save your people)The entire crowd sang.…."Give to our pious Emperor, Nicholas Alexandrovitch, Victory over his enemies".The prayer came to the balcony.Their Majesties could not hold back their tears. They were crying on the square…they crossed themselves…The Tsar and the People were united in one sole desire, one sole goal, one sole prayer."………..Music: Andante from the Piano Concerto No.2 in F, Op.102 by Shostakovich.With reference to the dates, I use the Gegorian Calendar (New style). Before 1918, Russia still used the Julian Callender (old style) which in the 20th century was 13 days behind the more widely used Gregorian .