2018 marks the centenaries of the founding of the Royal Air Force and the Great War armistice. Plans are in hand for Dumfries and Galloway to mark Armed Forces Week 2018 [25 to 30 June].
A sub group of DGFirst Contact has been set up to coordinate activities. The group comprises representatives of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Royal British Legion Scotland, SSAFA [Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association], the armed forces, and cadets.
Events being planned for Armed Forces Week include:
• Flag raising ceremonies
• RAF100 commemorations
• Parades
• Munitions Factory centenary celebration, Gretna
There will also be 3 Victoria Cross commemorations in August/September 2018.
As 2018 is Scotland’s Year of Young People, it’s hoped to involve as many young people as possible in the events.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion and chair of the sub group, said: “Many local men and women serve in our armed forces, carrying out difficult and often dangerous tasks on our behalf and we’re very grateful for the work that they do. It’s vitally important for our armed forces to feel that they have the support of local communities. Armed Forces Week is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation and support for current service men and women. But, it also gives us an opportunity to support former members of our armed forces and to offer support to former members of our armed forces. We can also commemorate some of our local heroes. The word ‘hero’ is often overused but, in our Victoria Cross recipients, we have true local heroes who performed acts of outstanding courage and gallantry. A century after the Great War armistice, it’s important that we also take time to think about those who were killed, wounded or underwent life-changing experiences.”
