Humbled Sturgeon leads tributes to fallen
THE First Minister laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Scotland yesterday as ceremonies to remember servicemen and women killed in conflict were held across the country.
Hundreds gathered outside St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile for Edinburgh’s Remembrance Sunday memorial event, organised by veterans’ charity Legion Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon was joined by Scotland Office minister Andrew Dunlop and president of Legion Scotland Sir Alistair Irwin for the wreath-laying at the Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers.
She said: ‘Today is about remembering with respect and with gratitude all of those who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy the way of life we have today. Year after year veterans come to remember and to share their own memories, but also to pay their respects to those who didn’t come home from conflict. That is humbling for all of us. Every year that passes it becomes more and more important to remember on this day as the distance gets longer from the First and the Second World Wars, making sure that generations to come remember the sacrifice, remember the reasons for conflicts, so that we can do everything we can to avoid it in future.’
A wreath was also laid by Arctic Convoy veteran James Simpson, 95, from Inveresk, Musselburgh, who served time on HMS Devonshire during the Second World War.
Kevin Gray, Legion Scotland’s chief executive officer, said: ‘Remembrance Sunday allows the whole nation to come together to pay their respects to those brave men and women who came from every community in Scotland.’
Mr Dunlop added: ‘It is so important we remember the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely, and to stand together on Remembrance Sunday to honour them.
‘We should also take time to thank our serving military personnel for the vital role they play keeping our country safe.’
Aberdeen marked the day with a ceremony in front of the city’s war memorial on Schoolhill, with serving forces veterans, reserves and cadets in attendance.
Lord Provost George Adam led the laying of wreaths before a church service at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting.
The SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson laid a wreath on behalf of his party and Welsh Plaid Cymru at the Cenotaph in London.
The two parties alternate each year laying a joint tribute.
A short inscription on a card read: ‘Lest we forget’ in English, Gaelic and Welsh.