British Cemetery in Kabul

British soldiers and British Embassy personnel were on hand for the ceremony at the graveyard. Also known as the White Cemetery, it was originally a burial site for British soldiers killed in the Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th century.  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)

British soldiers and chaplain honor those killed in war. Not all those buried at the cemetery served in the military. The most famous civilian grave may be that of Hungarian-born British archaeologist Aurel Stein, famed for his exploration of the “Silk Road” across Central Asia. He was denied permission to enter Afghanistan for many years. Finally allowed to enter in 1943, he died in Kabul that year.  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)

British soldiers take part in the annual event, which was held early this year and conducted quickly for security reasons. When a U.S.-led coalition ousted the Taliban from power in late 2001, a British army unit adopted the cemetery, erecting a plaque that vowed, “We shall remember them.”  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)

Wreaths are laid at the cemetery. Among those buried at the cemetery were two dozen Americans who were killed in joint operations with the British: Americans who served in the Army Special Forces, 10th Mountain Division, Utah National Guard; and Army Cpl. Jeffrey Roberson of Phelan, Calif., a member of the 18th Military Police Brigade.  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)

Service personnel are no longer buried at the British Cemetery, but stone-carved memorial lists are attached to the walls, with the names and ranks of those killed in the struggle with the Taliban.  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)

A caretaker says the cemetery, hidden by high walls, is beautiful in springtime, when roses bloom, the grape arbor is in season, and the apple, almond and cherry trees are full with fruit. In that season, its cheery color stands in sharp contrast to the drabness of the neighborhood around it.  (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)