Lest we forget
This year, Remembrance Sunday was like no other.
Covid-19 restrictions meant that the annual events which take place across the county could not go ahead as usual.
However, individuals, representatives of Lanarkshire’s Lord Lieutenant’s office and South Lanarkshire Provost Ian Mcallan all safely and independently laid wreaths at various sites to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Among those was 12-year-old Stewart Andrew, of the 140th Lanarkshire Scouts.
Stewart has been a regular at the Remembrance events and was determined to honour safely the memory of those who served.
The youngster waited patiently in the wings while official duties were carried out and placed his own wreath at Hamiltonwar Memorial on Sunday morning.
Provost Mcallan also paid tribute at the Hamilton war memorial in Bothwell Road Park.
He said:“of course this year was very different and was yet another reminder of how much an impact Covid-19 has had on everyone’s lives during the past few months.
“It was an honour and a privilege to lay the wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of the people of South Lanarkshire.
“It gave me time to quietly reflect on how much of a sacrifice so many made, and how we are forever in their debt.
“They will never be forgotten, and the pain of loss for those relatives, friends and comrades who they left behind never truly fades.
“Although communities couldn’t come together this year to pay tribute to the bravery of these men and women, I am sure they are at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts.”
The council’sveterans Champion, Councillor Mark Horsham, said: “Despite events not being able to go ahead in the usual manner, I am sure Remembrance Sunday offered everyone the opportunity to remember and appreciate those who served, sacrificed and changed our world forever.
“It has been touching to see so many people placing posters, pictures and some wonderfully creative tributes in their windows with the poppy so prominent.thank you to everyone who has taken the time to do this.”
Churches throughout Lanarkshire also paid their respects, including Dalserf Church.
Wreaths were laid at both Ashgill and Netherburn war memorials and hand-painted commemorative stones were placed by representatives of the church.
Stones were painted by Lewis Scotland of Larkhall Academy and Joan Harvey, a Dalserf Church elder.
The act of Remembrance also took place during the service at the church on Sunday led by the Reverend John Stevenson and a lament was played by Piper Ross Forrest.
Meanwhile, on Armistice Day yesterday (Wednesday) people paused and reflected at the same time as the guns fell silent in 1918 – on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
For more on Remembrance Sunday events across Lanarkshire, turn to pages 20 and 21.