Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are opportunities for us all to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Every year, The Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland) asks us to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday to make sure that no-one is forgotten and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
A range of events are planned to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Remembrance Sunday 10 November
Services of Remembrance and wreath laying-ceremonies will take place at war memorials and in faith venues across Dumfries and Galloway in honour of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the many conflicts since then.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, will lay a wreath at 11am at Annan War Memorial.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Depute Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council will lay a wreath at 11am at Lockerbie War Memorial, High Street, Lockerbie.
Provost Maureen Johnstone will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Dumfries at 11am at St John’s War Memorial, Newall Terrace, Dumfries.
In addition, wreaths will also be laid at all of the other war memorials across Dumfries and Galloway by elected members of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and in some locations on their behalf by community councillors and other organisations’ representatives.
Wreaths are also being laid by New Scots in our region’s Resettlement Scheme in towns and villages where we have a significant presence: Stranraer, Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Sanquhar, Kelloholm, Lockerbie and Annan.
Lord-Lieutenants, Vice and Deputy Lieutenants will also be laying wreaths at ceremonies across the region.
Armistice Day Monday 11 November
A national two-minute silence will be held on Monday, 11 November at 11am in respect of, and to remember, those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
As a mark of respect, flags will be flown at all council flag-flying locations across the region from Friday 8 to Tuesday 12 November.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE Armed Forces Champion, Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Remembrance Sunday is our opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. On this day, we remember our Armed Forces, and their families, as well as the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict and terrorism.”
Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, Convener, Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “In recognition of the importance of these national commemorative events, Dumfries and Galloway Council will be laying a wreath at every one of our region’s war memorials on Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday. The hope is that this will also be an opportunity to bring people together, united in their support for our veterans and armed forces. By acknowledging and remembering those who serve and protect us, we build respect and dignity in our communities.”
D&G Council supports the Armed Forces in a number of ways including:
– Armed Forces Covenant – Our Council first signed the Covenant in 2009. It is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces community.
– Support to Defence Personnel -. We have been awarded the Ministry of Defence Gold Award for our support.
– Laying wreaths across the region at War Memorials on Remembrance Sunday.
– Armed Forces Elected Member Champion
– Providing support and plants for the Dumfries Veterans’ Garden.
– Maintaining almost one hundred War Memorials across the region
– Supporting the national Armed Forces Day and Week in June each year
– Granting the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal British Legion Scotland
– Finalist in the Employer of the Year category of the Scottish Veterans Awards 2024
– Host Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Annual Conference 2024
– 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings 6 June 2024
