Honouring our Armed Forces
A celebration of the brave men and women in the armed forces was held in Livingston on Friday.
West Lothian joined the rest of the country in showing appreciation for their hard work during Armed Forces Day.
The event, held on Friday, featured a parade, service, variety of entertainment performances, selection of military association/organisation information stalls, activities and participation by the local 278 Battery 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, 243 Provost Company 1 Royal Military Police and Cadet Forces.
Armed Forces Day is an annual national campaign that gives everyone the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the armed forces past and present, including currently serving troops, service families, reservists, veterans and cadets.
Similar events also took place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for armed forces personnel and their families.
Karen Elliot, event organiser, said: “The West Lothian Armed Forces Day Organising committee (made up of a few ex-Forces volunteers) are delighted to have been able to deliver another fantastic event to allow the community of West Lothian to show their support for our armed forces.
“We thank the many people who have supported this event, all those working tirelessly in the background, the performers and participants, and West Lothian Council for their sponsorship.
“It’s a privilege to be able to honour our armed forces in even a small way and to say ‘thank-you for your service’.
“Last, but by no means least, we thank the community of West Lothian, everyone who came out to show their support by attending the event and we hope that everyone had a great time.”
During the celebrations in Livingston a poppy bench was unveiled which is sponsored by the Royal British Legion Scotland Livingston Branch, and dedicated to the Lord Lieutenant of West Lothian, Mrs Isobel Brydie CVO MBE, for her dedication, support and service.
There was also a free concert in the park with entertained from local artists, including Heather Gourdie, Amy Hawthorn (the Legion Scotland Sweetheart), Stuart McLean, Ibiyemi Osinaike, PYRO, the West Calder Public Band and the ATC Band.
It’s a privilege to be able to honour our armed forces . . .