Motherwell Cathedral host remembrance service for Scottish soldiers

Nov 5 2009

MOTHERWELL Cathedral was the venue last week for a service to honour the bravery of Scotland’s armed service men and women who have lost their lives, or have been injured, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

More than 900 guests, including representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF, attended the ecumenical service.

First Minister Alex Salmond, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy and Lanarkshire councillors and MPs were also there.

Bishop of Motherwell, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Devine, told the assembly: “There is an unshakeable bond that exists between the members of our armed services, and an ingrained belief in what they do, that perhaps helps explain the demonstrations of courage and bravery which all too often is tragically manifested in the ultimate sacrifice they are called to make.

“But our servicemen and women don’t stop to reflect on their virtues of courage and sacrifice. They have faith that what they are being asked to do, they do for the greater good.”

Mr Salmond also paid tribute, saying that the country owed the men and women of the armed forces respect, gratitude and support.

He said: “The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a significant toll on our armed forces, and we honour the bravery of our service men and women, and the sacrifice of those who did not come home.”