We will never forget
Published 15 Nov 2012 12:30
LEST we forget - communities in Barrhead gathered to honour those who have died in all conflicts since the First World War.
Dedicated families flocked to Cowan Park cenotaph to commemorate Remeberance Day and take part in the annual parade on Sunday.
More than 100 people attended the poignant ceremony, which saw MP Jim Murphy, Provost Alastair Carmichael and also Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark deliver tributes on the day.
Local councillors and MSPs were also there to honour the fallen who died in service to their country.
Barrhead councillor Kenny Hay said: "Barrhead's Rememberance Day had a really good turnout as usual and it was great to see the large number of cadets who also turned up.
"It's great to see the people in the community set apart time from their busy schedules to remember those who sacrificed their lives fighting and also to pay a tribute still to those who are still surviving but have gone through it all.
"For those who have survived, they also have to face the transition of living life in the army to coming back into civilisation which can also be a difficult time.
"There were a lot of elderly people who also may have lost family members who fought in the war, so it is essential that Barrhead has a time to remember those who gave so much freedom to us."
The parade to the service started at Barrhead's Paisley Road Service's Club before travelling up Carlibar Road to the Cowan Park.
Barrhead veterans and members of the Barrhead Army Cadet force took part in the march that was headed by the pipers and drummers of the Barrhead Burgh Band.
After a short service, officiated by Reverand Jim Cowan, there was a scripture reading, the Lord's prayer, a two-minute silence and immediately afterwards wreaths were laid on the Cenotaph while a lone piper played an played in an emotional scene.
Wreath layers included the Royal British Legion, United Services Club, the Red Cross, members of parliament, Barrhead Community Council, Strathclyde Fire Brigade and West of Scotland Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
Renfrewshire South MSP Hugh Henry was especially touched at the ceremony as his father was a POW and had shared many of his war stories with him as a child.
The MSP counts himself lucky as his father was returned home safely despite many of his comrades being killed or having to return back home with missing limbs.
Mr Henry said: "I was honoured to stand with a wide section of people representing Barrhead community life to remember those who had sacrificed so much on our behalf.
"We should never forget the toll which the two major wars took on towns like Barrhead and unfortunately there are still people today dying throughout the world as a result of wars. It is right that we remember those who paid the ultimate price."
"I was also moved by the tribute paid by pupils of Neilston and St Thomas\u2019 primary schools whom I joined at their own special remembrance ceremony last Friday.
"The boys and girls had worked hard to research the two Great Wars and clearly understood the significance and consequences of war which was apparent in their work and thoughts they shared with those in attendance.
"Some of the poems the children chose to read out came from soldiers involved in the two conflicts and were a vivid reminder of the horror of war and the hope that they had for a better future for generations to come."
This article appeared in Barrhead News 14 Nov 12
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