The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Angus recognises ‘incredible debt’ to armed forces.
Politicians express their gratitude to members of the armed forces past and present
An “incredible debt” of gratitude to serving members of the armed forces was acknowledged in Angus yesterday.
Provost Ronnie Proctor, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Angus Norman Atkinson and Angus South MSP Graeme Dey joined veterans and serving men and women at the Town Hall in Forfar.
A short march was coordinated by members of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) local branch, with standard bearers and Queen’s colours following a lone piper.
Ex-serviceman and council officer John Davie read a dedication on behalf of the local authority.
“This day and this ceremony are intended for the nation to show its appreciation for those who serve or have served in Her Majesty’s armed forces.
“On behalf of the provost and members of the council, I thank you all for attending here this morning for the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag, in recognition of the nation’s armed forces, past, present and future.
“Angus Council is one of more than 450 councils around the country who will today be raising their Armed Forces Day flag.
“Today provides us with an opportunity to support those who have served in the forces and in previous generations.
“We have traditionally been very good at paying tribute to past heroes, past sacrifices, and past historic events.
“However, until recently we have not been so good at acknowledging publicly our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices of our present-day heroes.
“We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces.
“They are our ultimate protectors of our peace and security, and indeed our whole way of life.
“They have our respect our admiration and our gratitude.
“On behalf of Angus Council I would like to extend our thanks.”
We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces