Heroes gather in garden and remember the fallen

Nov 6 2008 by Charlie McGarry, Hamilton Advertiser

Heroes gather in garden and remember the fallen

POPPY Week began in Hamilton on Saturday with the dedication of the garden of remembrance.

Led by a piper, the parade moved off from the foot of Quarry Street.

Prayers were said and hymns sung in memory of the county’s war dead at the ceremony at the Top Cross.

Rev John Thomson, minister of the Old Parish Church, Hamilton, gave the dedication.

The Prayer of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was delivered by the Rt. Rev Monsignor Tom O'Hare VG.

The parade and service were organised by members of the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Hamilton Branch and the Lanarkshire branch of the Royal Marine Association

They were joined at the ceremony by the county’s two provosts, Russell Clearie and Tom Curley, and the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Gilbert Cox.

Music for the hymns was supplied by Clydebank Burgh Band, led by Captain David McCaw-Aldworth.

During the singing of the final hymn, wreaths and crosses were placed at the garden of remembrance by the presidents of the ex-services associations, other dignitaries, and groups.

President of the British Legion, UK, Sir Alistair Irwin and his wife Lady Nicola Irwin, took part in the remembrance parade.

Later, Sir Alistair addressed the invited guests, veterans, dignitaries and cadets at the County Buildings in the Banqueting Hall.