Dedication to new war memorial
Bothwell Rd Park ceremony is moving experience
A poignant and moving ceremony has been held to dedicate a new war memorial at Hamilton’s Bothwell Road Park.
The memorial commemorates local service personnel who have lost their lives since World War II, and sits alongside the current cenotaph at the park. There is space to include more than 140 names, with the first 27 already inscribed.
Last Friday’s ceremony was given a civic welcome by Councillor Davie Mclachlan, with a dedication by Rev Ross Blackman of Hamilton Old Parish Church. A prayer was offered by Father Lamb of St Joseph’s Church, Blantyre.
The Last Post was played followed by a two-minute silence before wreaths were laid by invited guests. Families of the fallen were also invited to lay wreaths to remember their loved ones.
The new cenotaph will be included in the annual Remembrance Service.
Councillor Mclachlan said: “The new memorial is a testament to the brave men and women whose names are engraved on its surface. It is a permanent reminder that we should give our thanks to them and that we shall not forget them and what they stand for. Every name represents a person who was dedicated to making this world a better place and they died in service trying to secure freedom and fairness all over the world. I also have to pay tribute to their families – they too have shown great bravery and have worked tirelessly to provide a lasting tribute to their loved ones.
“I am very proud as a local councillor and a member of South Lanarkshire Council we now have a fitting memorial to the brave men and women whose names will have a lasting and permanent home here in South Lanarkshire.”
South Lanarkshire Council came up with the proposal in response to requests from families seeking a way to formally recognise the sacrifice of those who have died since 1945, and the decision was formally approved at a meeting of the Community Services Committee earlier this month.
Extensive discussions have taken place with a number of groups and individuals to ensure the new memorial was as inclusive as possible, whilst taking account of Forces regulations and protocols. These included the Royal British Legion (Scotland), The War Memorial Trust, The Scottish Bereavement Benchmarking Group, the East Kilbride History Society and the families. So far 27 names have been suggested and approved as part of the application process. Councillor Hamish Stewart, Chair of the Community Services committee, has welcomed the move. He said: “Sadly, we have lost many local servicemen and women who have served since the end of World War II. Their sacrifices mean just as much to their families and communities. “It is with great pride we have a memorial which will provide a lasting memorial to those young men and women who have died in service since 1945. “I thank all the groups and individuals who have played their part in making this happen.”