Hamilton remembers those who gave their lives

Nov 17 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

Remebering those who gave their lives

ORGANISATIONS proudly paraded to the Cenotaph in the public park in Bothwell Road, for a civic service on Remembrance Sunday.

Ex-service personnel were joined in the parade, among others, by members of the British Legion, Burma Star, ACF 4 Platoon, 2166 Squadron ATC, St Andrew's First Aid, British Red Cross Association, the Boy's Brigade Pipe Band, the Boy's Brigade, the Scouts, the Girls' Brigade and the Guides.

The Reverend John Thomson, minister of Hamilton Old Parish Church conducted the service, before the Appreciation from South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie, MBE.

A two-minute silence was then observed, closely followed by Ian Forsyth, member of the Royal British Legion Scotland (Hamilton Branch) co-ordinating the wreath laying, during which a lament was played by Pipe Major David Stark.

The parade then headed to South Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters where the salute was taken by the Provost at the steps of the main entrance to the council building.

Provost Russell Clearie, addressed the crowd on Sunday, saying: “Every year people from every corner of the earth gather to remember the millions of people who made the ultimate sacrifice preserving the freedom and liberty most of us are lucky enough to enjoy.

“And at this special event we take this opportunity, as many of us did two days ago on Remembrance Day itself, to contemplate the reality of all those sacrifices.

“For most of us we never knew those who laid down their lives for us - and they in turn never knew us.

“But they died knowing that they were fighting against the evils and injustices that unfortunately still prevail in many parts of our troubled world.

“But their sacrifices were not in vain. They died fighting for something they believed in - that the world should be a better place for all - where we can all live in peace and safety.

“We must remember that they gave up their right, not only to life itself but also to their right to be a father, brother, son, daughter, mother or sister.

“So it is vital that we remember those families who waited in vain for their loved ones to return home.

“We must embrace the freedom that has been given to us at such a huge cost and cherish it as dearly as life itself.

“So we remember them and we never forget.”