Helensburgh residents honoured local veterans who lost their lives serving with the Armed Forces at the town’s Remembrance Day Service.
On the morning of Sunday, November 12, members of the public, military, and local government attended the service at Hermitage Park to pay their respects to those who fought and died during war.
Veterans and invited community groups participated in a short march before the service - led by Reverend Dominic Ind - started.
After observing the two-minute silence, organisations such as the police, fire service, and HM Clyde Naval Base laid poppy wreaths around the War Memorial, while music was performed by the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir.
The event was organised by the Helensburgh Community Council and was formerly spearheaded by their chair, the late Norman Muir, who began work on this year’s service before he passed.
After his death, members of community council worked with Helensburgh British Legion to ensure the event went ahead.
A community councillor said: “Norman organised the ceremony for many years and started the arrangements for this year.
“In his opening address the Vicar Dominic Ind acknowledged the work Norman Muir had done towards this year's event including reinstalling the parade.
“He had especially wanted to involve the young people and felt the parade was a good way of involving everyone.
“The Helensburgh Community Council would like to thank everyone who took part and would also especially like to thank Argyll and Bute Council grounds staff for preparing the Memorial Gardens, Helensburgh First Aid for first aid cover, The Deli in the Square for their generous donation of refreshments for the veterans, and Live Argyll staff at Victoria Halls for all their support.”
The Round Table, Rotary Club, and Burns Club were amongst the local groups who laid wreaths at the service.
Youth groups such as the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Boy’s Brigade, and Girl’s Brigade also laid wreaths.
Beaver scout, Thea, was joined by Councillor Fiona Howard's dog Susie to lay a purple wreath - knitted by Grey Matters - commemorating animals that served and died in war.
Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin said: "As a serving member of the Royal Navy, it was an honour to join Helensburgh’s diverse and local community for the Remembrance Parade on Sunday.
"It was humbling to be part of a community that came together to pay respect to those who have died serving their country and defending our freedoms.
"Considering the current conflicts and everything that is going on around the world today, it felt important to pause and reflect on the price we pay to protect peace."
Provost Maurice Corry was unable to attend the Helensburgh service but honoured those who served.
He said: “As Provost – as well as someone who served in our Armed Forces – it is a real privilege to be able to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Our local communities always pay tribute in great numbers and this year was no different.
“We will never forget what so many local people did to ensure that we have the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie could not attend the service but issued a statement honouring veterans who sacrificed their lives during war.
She said: “These were poignant moments in memory of those who have lost their lives while serving our country."
“They died to ensure that we have our freedom today.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here