Today, Monday 25th June, at Midsteeple Dumfries, a number of Armed Forces personnel – both veterans and active servicemen, local councillors, representatives, pupils from Loreburn primary and members of the public attended the flag raising ceremony to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Great War 100 years ago, and the soldiers who are in service today.
Other towns across the area have also held a ceremony. Annan, Castle Douglas, Moffat and Sanquhar have had their own flag raising ceremonies too.
The ceremony commenced with kind words from our representatives honouring the soldiers that fought and still fight for our country to this day.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion; Reverend Dr Maurice Bond; Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong and; Provost of Dumfries and Nithsdale, Tracey Little, were amongst those who came and recognised the valuable work all the men and women did on behalf of us in the first world war and the valuable work they still do today.
Dumfries and Galloway was praised for its support and recognition of the veterans that live here, ‘leading’ Scotland in terms of the help and support we give our retired servicemen and women.
Pupils from Loreburn primary did their part for the ceremony by singing for our armed forces to tie off this pleasant ceremony on a sunny Monday morning.
Following this, on Saturday 30th June at 11.50am, will be an Armed Forces Day Parade in Dumfries Town Centre. Representatives of our retired and serving armed forces personnel and members of our local cadet units, led by the Dumfries Town Band, will march through Dumfries town centre to honour our armed forces.
Later on Saturday will be an afternoon full of family activities for all of our community to enjoy. There will be entertainment and music as well as competitions and orienteering. This is a great opportunity for the community to come and show their recognition for the Armed Forces but is most importantly a great opportunity to have a fun family day out.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “I would like to thank all those who attended the flag raising ceremonies across the region on Monday and paid their respects to all those who have served, and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces. I am proud that our region leads the way in championing our Armed forces personnel, and recognise the sacrifices they make on our behalf.”
Written by Mitch Peacock from Wallace Hall Academy on a work placement.
