Tributes paid at Remembrance services
Paisley fell silent at a packed Remembrance Sunday service in honour of those who gave their lives.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron led tributes to our fallen comrades with the laying of a poppy wreath at the cenotaph in the town’s County Square.
More than 500 people attended the service in Paisley, where Provost Cameron joined members of the Royal British Legion, servicemen and women, police, fire service and church groups at the war memorial for the poignant ceremony.
A member of the Royal British Legion Scotland – Paisley Comrades branch sounded the Last Post to commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice before the two minutes’ silence was impeccably observed at 11am.
Provost Cameron laid the first wreath, followed by more than 30 others from various groups and organisations including the Royal Air Force, 102 Field Squadron, Renfrewshire Council and the emergency services.
Provost Cameron said: “It is an honour to take part in this service which gives everyone the opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and the importance of this cannot be misunderstood.
“We must ensure that we remember those who have given their lives to allow us to continue to live ours in peace.
“I was privileged to attend the Children’s Remembrance Service on Friday and it was clear that the message in the line of duty.
The annual Children’s Remembrance Service took place last Friday at the joint campus of Mossvale and St James’ Primary Schools.
Primary seven pupils from both schools led a service of readings and poetry to Provost Cameron, and members of the Royal British Legion Scotland, which included a moving rendition of ‘ In Flanders Fields’ by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.
While Veterans’ Minister Keith Brown said Remembrance Sunday should be used to ensure future generations are “spared the horrors of war”.
He said: “We have a responsibility to learn from the lessons of the past, and Remembrance Sunday should be a solemn, dignified occasion when we commit ourselves to ensuring that our own and future generations are spared the horrors of war.
“A century on from the devastation of the First World War, which left barely a community or single family untouched by tragedy and loss, it remains as important as ever that we come together across Scotland to commemorate those lost in all conflicts, past and present.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the event, which falls on the penultimate year ahead of the centenary of Armistice Day, “is a day for reflection and gratitude for those who gave their lives in conflict to preserve our freedoms.”
Sine Ward, an organiser for Poppyscotland, praised the public for their show of support.
She said: “There has been lots of public engagement, chat and stories. We cannot thank our wonderful volunteers enough for all of their efforts today.”