Newton Stewart and District was represented at a remarkable Armistice Day event in France to commemorate the end of World War One.
Marcoussis, the town on the outskirts of Paris with which the area is twinned, invited representatives from Newton Stewart and District to join in their commemoration, along with representatives from their other three twinned towns – Waldsassen in Germany, Marainske Lazne in Czech Republic, and Beregadougou in Burkina Faso, a former French colony.
In addition to the ceremony of commemoration at the war memorial in Marcoussis, when wreaths were laid from all four towns, the twinning associations were each asked to provide display material to show the impact on their area of that devastating conflict and how the armistice is marked in each community. These were incorporated into an impressive and well attended exhibition in the town’s School of Arts which demonstrated the mutual suffering of individuals and families from every country involved.
Joan Mitchell who represented Newton Stewart and District Town Twinning Association said:
“This was a very special and moving weekend, made possible by the commitment of the people of Marcoussis to the idea of twinning. The whole emphasis was on current friendships and acknowledgement of mutual past suffering. The need to never forget the sad lessons of the twentieth century was underlined by the participation of many Marcoussis young people and children in the event at the war memorial. It was important to be part of this international event.”
Cllr Katie Hagmann, who represented Dumfries and Galloway Council as a Ward councillor for Newton Stewart said: “I was very humbled to be part of a poignant service in Marcoussis and it was a huge privilege to be asked by the Mayor to speak at their armistice event. It is important that we stop and take a moment to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices that were made by so many during World War One and while Peace was brought to our countries, the horror of war is something we should never forget. Looking to the future I am delighted that we are building links, working together and I look forward to welcoming our friends from France here in Newton Stewart next summer”
