Special honour for our armed forces
Speaking NICOLA FINDLAY
East Kilbride honoured its veterans and serving members of the armed forces.
The annual Veterans’ Day was held at the Legion Scotland East Kilbride Branch.
Dr Lisa Cameron MP hosted her fourth event with over 100 veterans, family and friends in attendance for a successful day.
Eddie Hays, Legion President, heralded the Last Post and a twominute silence was held for all who have lost their lives serving in conflict.
A Veterans Badge was presented on the day by the MP to East Kilbride’s Gary McCracken.
Early Day Motions that had been lodged in the House of Commons by Dr Cameron MP were presented to Maria Gascon of Veterans First Point which provides priority mental health services to all veterans across South Lanarkshire, and also to Jim Harper from the EK Sea Cadets, marking the important role they play in the local community. On the day, there were representatives in from Poppy Scotland, Erskine Hospital, SSAFA, Armed Services Advice Point, the Royal British Legion, Cameronian’s Friends and Family Association, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Royal Navy, UK Army, Lanarkshire Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Russell, Former MP and Defence Minister Rt Hon. Adam Ingram and South Lanarkshire Councils Veterans Spokesperson Mark Horsham.
More than £800 was collected in donations towards the event, providing local veterans with lunch, refreshments and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Dr Cameron said: “It was a privilege to host my fourth annual veterans day in the Legion in East Kilbride which marks the service of those who have served with dignity and those who continue to serve in our armed forces.
“It is extremely important that we hold this annual event and give back as a community to veterans who put their lives on the line for democracy and freedom.”
A legion spokesman said: “We are always very proud and honoured to host this event in honour of our veterans and serving members.
“And in November we always remember our fallen.”