Tag: remembrance

Scotland’s Salute VE80 Concert kicks off remembrance events ahead of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

A spectacular poppy drop brought a poignant close to the nations official 80th anniversary commemoration concert for VE Day at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last night.

Second World War veterans and their families were in attendance as special guests of honour, joining a packed crowd to remember those who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and to mark the historic event that was to become known as VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Also in attendance was First Minister John Swinney, along with currently serving members of the Armed Forces and members of the public, who heard first-hand testimonies from surviving Scottish VE Day veterans on the big screen.

Musical highlights included touching performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who joined the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Military Wives Choir, singer Niamh Corky, and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald.

Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph, of All Creatures Great and Small fame, also took to the stage to perform with young actress Sadie Addington. The evening was narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as compere.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “We were thrilled to welcome our VE Day veterans to the Usher Hall as we came together in a national act of remembrance to honour those who lived through – and the all too many who sadly lost their lives during the period that was World War Two.

“Our national commemoration concert was a huge success, and you could feel the emotion in the room as our veterans’ stories were told on the big screen. The performances were memorable, touching and apt, and it was the ideal way to celebrate 80 years since VE Day.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended tonight, in particular those from the Armed Forces, both past and present – we thank you for your service.

“A huge thank you also to everyone behind the scenes for all their efforts in putting together this wonderful show, and also to our fabulous performers on the night.

Photo caption:- Band Scot’s girls Holly Eggleton, Maddy Lyons and Erin Gunn

“As VE Day approaches this Thursday, May 8, we encourage you to stop and take time out of your day to remember just as we have done tonight.”

Hundreds gather to pay their respects during 2-minute silence to mark Armistice Day

Hundreds of people gathered as a single gunshot fired from Edinburgh Castle today to mark a 2-minute silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have fallen in conflicts through the years. 

The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, marked the end of the First World War and each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in battle.

Preceding the gun fire, at a service within the Garden of Remembrance on Princes Street, Bugler Iona Macfarlane, a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, performed the Last Post.

At the Edinburgh service, wreaths were then laid by the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.  

Additional wreaths were laid by the CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, Colonel (Retd) Jim Wilson, Veterans Scotland, Maj (Retd) Alasdair Henry Hutton OBE TD OstJ, Edinburgh and Lothian & Borders Area President, Legion Scotland, and Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, the National Chaplain of Legion Scotland.  

Piper Lorne McIntyre from George Heriot’s School then completed the day’s service under glorious sunshine in the capital city.

Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “As a country, and as an organisation, we will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for so many, for the sake of so few.  

“These sacrifices are made on a daily occurrence by our Armed Forces community, and they are made on our behalf. I wish to thank our Armed Forces community for their continued dedication to our values and our freedoms. “ 

Prime Minister to attend French Armistice Day

Keir Starmer set to be the first UK leader to attend French Armistice Day since Second World War

  • The Prime Minister will attend 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in Paris today [Monday 11th November]
  • First UK leader to attend the ceremony since Winston Churchill in 1944
  • Comes as he announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year

The Prime Minister will mark Armistice Day in Paris today – the first British leader to do so since the Second World War.

At the personal invitation of President Macron, the Prime Minister will join French and British veterans, and the public, to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War and veterans of subsequent conflicts.

The Prime Minister is believed to be the first UK leader to attend the commemorations since Winston Churchill, who was hosted by General de Gaulle in 1944.

It comes as the Prime Minister announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of the Allied Victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

Their legacy will be remembered at events across the UK next year with 8th May, marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, and 15th August marking the end of the Second World War in Japan.

The national commemorative events will pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War on all fronts.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at this morning’s commemorations of the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 symbolises the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France.

Alongside President Macron, the Prime Minister is expected to lay a wreath at war memorials close to the Champs-Élysées and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol in France for all those who died in the First World War.

The ceremony, which will include the British Band of the Rifles, comes at the end of a year which marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, and the 80th anniversary of the start of the liberation of France.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.

“These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors and aviators live on for generations to come.

“That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.”

Ahead of the ceremony, the Prime Minister will host veterans, defence charities and British military embedded in the French system at the Ambassador’s Residence to thank them for their service.

He will hear firsthand how, under the Lancaster House Treaties, British and French military personnel are building close friendships and deepening interoperability both for today and in the future.

The Prime Minister is also expected to meet President Macron ahead of the commemorations for a bilateral. The leaders will reflect on the close bonds between the two countries, many forged and cemented by the sacrifice of British and French soldiers on the frontline in the first and second World Wars. 

The leaders are expected to go on to discuss key foreign policy issues, including Russia’s ongoing barbaric invasion of Ukraine and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He is also expected to meet the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The short meeting ahead of the ceremony will be the first between the two Prime Ministers since Mr Barnier became the Prime Minister of France.

Preparations for next year’s UK commemoration events have already begun, with the government working closely with the Royal British Legion and veterans’ representatives, on a programme of activity that will be designed to bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection, strengthen community spirit and cohesion, and support growth.

Remembrance Day: School lights up red in memory of 177 former pupils who lost their lives in World Wars

A GLASGOW school has been illuminated in red in memory of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. 

Kelvinside Academy, a War Memorial Trust school with one of the biggest Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) in the country, is one of several iconic locations across Scotland “Lighting Up Red” in support of Poppyscotland.

Some 177 Kelvinside Pupils lost their lives fighting for their country in WWI and WWII. 

As has become tradition, the school has also paid tribute to the fallen with a poignant display featuring silhouettes of soldiers and poppies – designed and created by pupils – outside the A-Listed school building in the city’s West End. Handmade ornamental poppies, one for every former pupil whose life has been lost, have also been planted in the school grounds. 

Daniel Wyatt, Rector of Kelvinside Academy, said: “The Kelvinside Academy community will never forget our former pupils who fought and died during WWI and WWII.

“Lighting up the school and creating this display is a lasting reminder to everybody of the sacrifice they, and everybody who fought in those conflicts, made. We will always remember them.”  

The School’s formal Remembrance Service takes place at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church on Monday, November 11.

For further information on Kelvinside Academy, visit kelvinsideacademy.org.uk. 

The King leads nation in silence on Remembrance Sunday

His Majesty The King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict

  • Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
  • 10,000 veterans will march past the Cenotaph in tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s Veteran Parade

His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.

The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

First Minister John Swinney MSP will join Robert Aldridge the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, as well as veterans, and military personnel to remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday in Edinburgh. 

Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to take part in the annual two-minute silence at the Cenotaph and to watch The Royal British Legion’s veterans parade.

Of the 10,000 individuals marching this year, 326 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations will be represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from the bereaved children of Scotty’s Little Soldiers through to the D-Day veterans of the Spirit of Normandy Trust.

Defence Minister Al Carns OBE MC, whose portfolio encompasses veterans and the wider Armed Forces community, will parade past the Cenotaph as part of the Royal Marines Association. The Afghanistan veteran completed his military service in May.

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the Second World War, the 25th anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo, as well as the 75th anniversary of NATO and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.

Next year will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and the Allied victory in Europe and  VJ Day, marking the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This weekend, we come together to honour those who laid down their lives to keep our country safe. The freedoms we enjoy today – our democracy, our values, our way of life – have been hard won over generations. We are forever in debt to those brave souls who fought to defend this country, and who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We honour them today and always. We remember them today and always.

“And as we do, we also think of those who are serving our country now, often far away from home, putting themselves in harm’s way so that we may sleep soundly in our beds.

“It is that service, and the courage and sacrifice of so many over the generations, that brings the country together this weekend, in a spirit of the most profound gratitude and respect.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We remember all those whose courage in the face of unimaginable hardship shaped the world we live in today.

“Every generation owes a debt to those who fought and fell, and it is our duty to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

“It is a privilege and personal honour to represent Wigan, a constituency with so many veterans and their families, who truly represent the best of us. Today, we stand together across communities, in grief and in gratitude and remember that the values of freedom, justice, and equality—are not just the legacy of the past. They are the challenges we face in the present, and the work we continue to build for the future.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we unite behind our Armed Forces community and honour those who gave their lives for our freedom.

“We think of those who fell liberating Europe on D-Day 80 years ago. And we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the conflicts before and since.

“Across Remembrance weekend we will hear powerful memories from our veterans and their families. We have a duty to educate future generations about their courage and commitment to defending Britain.

“To all those serving, those who have served, and their families, we say thank you. And for those we have lost, we will remember them.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “Remembrance Sunday is both a national commemoration and a deeply personal moment of reflection as we contemplate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that we today might be free.

“Beyond the Cenotaph, it will be marked in communities across the United Kingdom, and wherever in the world our soldiers, sailors and aviators find themselves serving their country. We shall remember them.”

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “In a year that marks the 80th anniversary of the battles of 1944, 25 years since the end of the war in Kosovo, and 10 years since UK forces ended operations in Afghanistan, Remembrance continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations to recognise the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

“From risking their lives in war zones to spending time away from their families, and providing support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, we owe those who choose to serve in the Armed Forces our gratitude and this weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember their service.”

More than 800 sailors, soldiers and aviators will be on duty on Remembrance Sunday, representing their services at the Cenotaph and at commemorative services at Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.

The UK Armed Forces continue to honour the legacy of their predecessors by working year-round to safeguard UK security and global stability. As the nation remembers its fallen, British forces around the world will be protecting NATO’s eastern flank from threats, disrupting threats to international shipping in the world’s busiest shipping lanes and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country.

Additional personnel also remain on standby in Cyprus to support with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. In all, close to 6,000 personnel will be deployed on operations and overseas bases around the world on Remembrance Sunday.

For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, and Sky News.

Fallen firefighters remembered

Seven firefighters who lost their lives in a Glasgow fire have been remembered more than five decades since the tragedy.

Sunday, 25 August marks the 52nd anniversary of the Kilbirnie Street fire at a textiles warehouse.

During the fire at Sher Bros’ cash and carry in 1972, Firefighter James Rook became trapped by debris.

Without hesitation, six of his brave colleagues formed a rescue party to save him.

Tragically, an explosion occurred causing part of the roof to collapse on the rescuers.

The fallen were Divisional Officer Andrew Quinn, Leading Firefighter Alistair Crofts and Firefighters Iain Bermingham, Allan Finlay, William Hooper, Duncan McMillan and James Rook.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honoured them on Friday (23 August), with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Glasgow Necropolis.

The event was attended by Chief Officer Ross Haggart and invited Glasgow dignitaries.

Chief Officer Haggart said: “That night 52 years ago on Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow lost seven of its finest firefighters.

“It is right and proper that we gather each year in the city to honour and remember each one of them alongside their loved ones.

“Their sacrifice to protect their community and each other serves as a poignant reminder of the often-perilous circumstances that firefighters can face.”

Charity asks the public to paint a poppy pebble to mark remembrance

The Forces Employment Charity is calling on the public to show their support for Remembrance Day this year, by taking part in its national poppy pebble painting initiative.

The Poppy Pebbles project is a simple but powerful initiative that encourages schools, veterans, and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.

Anyone choosing to take part in the initiative is encouraged to carry out research into identifying and even visiting local war graves, via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the service person buried there.

Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says: “The Poppy Pebbles project has grown exponentially over the last few years.

“We originally started the project as a way of encouraging vulnerable veterans to take part in a mindful activity during lockdown. Since then, the initiative has really captured people’s imaginations.

“Poppy Pebble Painting is now being taken up all over the country by people from all walks of life – we even have a few famous faces getting involved. It is a wonderful way to commemorate Remembrance and we hope to see more people than ever signing up to take part in this free event.”

For more information, including a free Poppy Pebbles resource pack, visit:  www.forcesemployment.org.uk and search for Poppy Pebbles 2023.

To donate to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, visit: 

www.rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal and click on ‘Donate’.

Scotland’s fallen heroes remembered on the Somme

Veterans Minister attends commemorations

The role played by professional footballers, and the many others who served at the Battle of the Somme, has been marked at a ceremony in France.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the McCrae’s Battalion Cairn in Contalmaison, as part of the memorial events to mark the first day of the Battle of the Somme (1st July 1916).

Representatives from clubs including Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Falkirk, Dunfermline, and Raith Rovers regularly attend the annual event.

Mr Dey said: “At the start of WW1 a campaign was launched against professional footballers who were labelled ‘shirkers’ and ‘cowards’ who were happy to stay at home while better men risked their lives at the front.

“The players who joined McCrae’s Battalion proved the critics wrong and demonstrated incredible bravery.  Indeed, many of them made the ultimate sacrifice. They went from being called shirkers and cowards to become known as ‘Edinburgh’s finest – Scotland’s Sporting Battalion’.

“Today we honour the bravery of those young men and all those who fought and died on the Somme.”

During his visit Mr Dey also met with the Mayor of Arras, Frédérique Leturque, as part of the Scottish Government’s European engagement work, which aims to strengthen ties with priority EU countries and their regions.

The 1,350 strong McCrae’s Battalion, led by Sir George McCrae, was formed in Edinburgh and included volunteers from Heart of Midlothian, Raith Rovers, Falkirk, Dunfermline, Hibernian, St Bernard’s and East Fife.

In all around 75 clubs (of all levels) provided volunteers along with many other athletes and football supporters most notably of Hearts and Hibernian.

The Battle of the Somme eventually lasted for 141 days. Some 20,000 soldiers were killed in the initial assault on 1 July 2016 with a further 37,000 wounded.