We’ll forge
Fitting tribute to war her
Renfrewshire fell silent on Sunday as we paid tribute to the dead of two world wars and other conflicts.
Fittingly, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day fell on the same day this year as the nation marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, which saw millions slaughtered on the battlefields of Europe.
Armed Forces veterans and ordinary people joined civic leaders at the war memorial in Paisley to lay wreaths and observed two minutes’ silence as the town hall clock struck 11am on what was a wet and blustery morning.
In the evening, Paisley Abbey hosted a special service to mark 100 years since the Armistice, when the Rev Alan Birss led a short service of commemoration.
Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by a young person and an ex-serviceman to light a candle of remembrance in the abbey for those who never returned home.
Mrs Cameron, who also attended the 10.45am service in Paisley, said: “This was a moving, poignant service in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to have the lives we have today.
“We cannot express enough gratitude to our armed forces and it’s extremely important that we continue to honour them on Remembrance Sunday, and all year round.”
At the Erskine charity, veterans, staff and visitors also fell silent at the home’s Memorial Stone to remember all those who gave their lives in service.
Chief Executive Ian Cumming recited Lawrence Binyon’s famous poem For the Fallen before two minutes silence was held.
Laying a wreath for Erskine was 103-year-old RAF veteran Hasie Young, who served for six years.
Mr Young said he was ‘ very proud’ to be asked to perform the honour.
After the service, Falklands’ veteran and Erskine cottage resident William McDowall laid a wreath for colleagues lost.
Mr Cumming said: “Armistice Day is a significant and poignant event for everyone at Erskine, but for our veterans in particular.”
At the Cenotaph in London, a group of 12 veterans from the Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre, in Paisley, took part in the march past.
Gillian McDonald, deputy centre manager,accompanied the group down to London, and said: “It was a really moving day for all.”
Barrhead also paid tribute to the war dead at the memorial in Cowan Park and the service was attended by Army cadets and dignitaries.
Children from Nurser y Times, in Paisley, were taken along to Paisley’s cenotaph as part of a week- long project on Remembrance Day.
Emma Easdon, room supervisor, said: “It is something we do every year in the run up to November 11.
“We make sure every child gets to make a poppy and the older ones can take that knowledge home with them.”