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, we unite with others across the country and our region 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 is planned to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Armistice Day 11 November
A national two-minute silence will be held on Saturday, 11 November at 11am to respect and 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, 10 November to Monday, 13 November.
Remembrance Sunday 12 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 Malcolm Johnstone, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council will lay a wreath at 11am at St John’s War Memorial, Newall Terrace, Dumfries.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Vice 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.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion will lay a wreath at 11am at Annan War Memorial.
In addition, wreaths will also be laid at the other 97 War Memorials across Dumfries and Galloway by Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and in some locations, on their behalf, by Community Councillors, and other organisations’ representatives.
Some of Dumfries and Galloway’s ‘New Scots’ – people in the Ukrainian, Syrian, and Afghanistan Resettlement Schemes – will lay wreaths in Annan, Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Sanquhar and Stranraer.
Lord Lieutenants, Vice and Deputy Lord Lieutenants are also laying wreaths at services across the region.
Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are national opportunities to pay tribute to our nation’s Armed Forces. In recognition of this, Dumfries and Galloway Council will be laying a wreath at each of our region’s War Memorials at the local events. This will also be an opportunity to bring communities together and to show our support for our Veterans and Armed Forces.”
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “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.”
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 – employees are entitled to an additional two weeks leave each year for essential training and we promote their activities. We have been awarded the Ministry of Defence Gold Award for our support
• Laying wreaths across the region at War Memorials on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
• Armed Forces Elected Member Champion.
• Providing support and plants for the Dumfries Veterans’ Garden.
• Maintaining a number of Ward Memorials across the region and supporting the British Legion War Memorial Competition
• Royal British Legion Scotland and the Royal Regiment of Scotland both have the status of Freemen of Dumfries and Galloway
• Exercising of the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway by the Royal Regiment of Scotland on Friday, 9 June 2023.Supporting the national Armed Forces Day in June each year.
• Support the Festival of Remembrance at the Crichton Church on 11 November 2023.
• Key buildings will be lit up in red.
