Airdrie deserves annual council-run service of remembrance

Dear Editor Over the past 10 years when the main councilrun Remembrance service for Monklands has taken place at Coatbridge, I have had the privilege of organising and leading a service at Airdrie Cenotaph.

I have termed this “the People’s Service”, as so many members of the community continue to join me in making this a fitting tribute; and I must thank those who have given me their support.

Councillor David Stocks arranged for orders of service to be printed, and Trisha Kelly was extremely helpful with the design and format.

Friends of Centenary and West End Parks once again provided their support, as did local firm Donald McLaren who supplied the sound system, operated this year by Thomas McKay and Adam O’Hara. Thanks also to Jim Brown senior and junior for additional assistance and resources.

Joining me in the tribute were bagpiper Connor Jardine; my daughter, Louise McLaren, who led the prayers; John Donnelly, who delivered the readings, and my grandson, William McLaren, who delivered the Act of Remembrance.

Keira Angus read a poem she had written and also delivered the Kohima Epitaph. It was remarked by many attending that it was good to see young people taking part. I have included Keira’s poem at the end of this letter and it shows remarkable compassion and understanding for a nine-yearold.

The service had personal connections as my own father’s name is inscribed on the cenotaph, and Keira’s family are close friends of the relatives of John Mezzetti, whose name is inscribed in the section for those awarded the Elizabeth Cross.

John Donnelly is the son of the late former Provost John Donnelly and his wife, May. May sadly passed away on October 9. They always ensured a service took place at Airdrie Cenotaph when the main Council service was being held in Coatbridge.

Though the weather was rather inclement, the service was well attended and we welcomed Alex Neil MSP and many of our councillors: David Stocks, Alan Beveridge, Tommy Morgan and Peter Sullivan.

Neil Gray MP arranged for a wreath to be laid and contacted me with a message of support, explaining that a previous commitment prevented him from attending.

The number in attendance and the display of wreaths and crosses at our local memorial bear testament to the respect shown for those who are named on the memorial, those who have died in more recent wars and conflicts, and the families who mourn. We also remembered those who have returned from wars mentally or physically disabled, and who have to attempt to return to civilian life.

I feel the attendance and amount of support on Remembrance Sunday indicates a need for the reinstatement of a council-led service in Airdrie on a yearly basis. This is a popular request and would be appreciated by organisations and members of the Airdrie public.

I hope that our future Remembrance services can continue to include tributes from younger members of our community. Encouraging them to participate will help to ensure that the legacy of Remembrance Sunday at Airdrie Cenotaph continues. Remembrance Day by Keira Angus On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11am we all have two minutes’ silence to thank you The people who fought for us had to say goodbye to their family People fought with their lives for us to give us a better life Sadness was made and happiness died Some soldiers survived and some did not Soldiers rest in peace Some were lucky People were very brave to join Everyone got very hurt Thank you for making it a better country

Marion Love, via email

Mark of respect The Cenotaph in Airdrie was covered in poppy wreaths at the service