Heroes will be honoured 100 years on
Events are planned to mark end of Great War
A century after the guns fell silent, the people of Hamilton will gather to mark the end of the First World War.
South Lanarkshire Council revealed this week that a number of events are being planned to mark the centenary of the end of the conflict.
Councillors were set to approve the plans at a meeting of the Executive Committee yesterday (Wednesday, May 16).
A report says: “The council has, over recent years, forged a strong working relationship with local ex-services’ organisations.
“This has led to the development of a number of annual civic events relating to the theme of Remembrance.
“This being the anniversary year of the end of WW1, the opportunity is being taken to review these events and to assess what additional support can be given and how the general profile of those events can be raised to maximise community participation in the centenary year.”
A service will take place in Hamilton’s Garden of Remembrance on Saturday, November 3. This is an annual event, led by the Royal British Legion, but the council hope to help with an improved sound system and printing of the orders of service.
The following day, a Festival of Remembrance will be held in Hamilton Town House. This will be the flagship civic event to mark the centenary and will include drama and music from schools, as well as a multi-faith drumhead service.
Remembrance services will be held in Hamilton on Armistice Day, and another service will be held at the town’s Victoria Cross Memorial on Monday, November 12. This will pay tribute to the people from South Lanarkshire who were awarded the highest honour.
A photographic exhibition featuring the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) will cover each year of the Great War. This will be held in Low Parks Museum from November 1 to December 30. It will feature personal stories of soldiers and the original roll of honour. A programme of talks from specialist military speakers will also take place.
The council report adds: “Schools in South Lanarkshire will be giving the centenary a great deal of prominence in terms of learning and the centenary will be commemorated in a number of ways including Remembrance activities both in school and in the community.”
A range of events will also take place at older people’s facilities, while councillors will undertake a cycle challenge with proceeds going to the poppy foundation.