Privilege of Airdrie Remembrance day

Dear Editor, Over the past 12 years I have had the privilege of organising a service of remembrance at Airdrie war memorial, in the alternate years when the main North Lanarkshire Council service is in Coatbridge.

This year – the centenary of the end of World War I – the Airdrie remembrance service was made possible by the assistance and participation of members of the community.

I would like to express my gratitude to all who provided support, those who took part and to the many who came along to pay their respects.

I must thank Councillor David Stocks for his unfailing support over the years and Jim Park for arranging the piper.

Local firm Donald McLaren again kindly supplied the sound system and Father Sweeney from St Patrick’s Church in Coatbridge lent the microphone.

Thank you to Brian who organised the sound system and to Jim and Adam who operated it.

When I contacted Poppy Scotland and told them of the memorial service, they were happy for their logo to be printed on the order of service and wished us well.

Those taking part in the service with me this year were Louise McLaren, John Donnelly, Henry Dunbar and William McLaren. Our piper was Ross Cowan, pipe major of the North Lanarkshire schools’ band.

Henry Dunbar from Greengairs Parish Church and Ross Cowan joined us this year for the first time; the participation of all who took part was greatly appreciated.

We also remembered former provost John Donnelly and his wife May who sadly have now passed on. Provost Donnelly always ensured that a service took place at Airdrie war memorial when the main council-led service was in Coatbridge.

I was privileged to take this over from him when he was no longer able. The number of people who came along to pay tribute made it apparent that a service of remembrance must continue to be held at Airdrie war memorial each year. Marion Love, Airdrie