AT 11am, a poignant service marked the opening of the Glasgow Garden of Remembrance in George Square this morning.
As we start the season of Remembrance, members of the public watched on as over 24 wreaths were laid by a variety of military and civilian representatives, including Glasgow Lord Provost Philip Braat.
Providing a place to remember those who died in the First World War and all subsequent conflicts, the garden is especially important this year as it marks the centenary of Legion Scotland and the Poppy Appeal.
Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE, national president of the Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland, spoke of the significance of the garden.
He said: “The Garden of Remembrance is one of the visible symbols of national annual active remembrance, and as a symbol, therefore, it’s very important.
“It’s something that people can see as they pass by, and even if they’re only passing by and don’t stop it goes into their consciousness.
“Without it, the annual remembrance might not be nearly so full of impact.
“There are Gardens of Remembrance not just in Glasgow, they’re in Edinburgh, Inverness, and many other smaller towns have smaller ones, and they all have the same purpose; to just remind us every year about the importance of saying thank you to those that have sacrificed.”
He added: “George Square seems to me to be a fitting place to have a Garden of Remembrance at the heart of the city of Glasgow
“It’s got the cenotaph here and it just seems a very good place to have it and it seems an appropriate place to have it where everyone will see it, so it’s a pleasure to be here.”
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Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “After more than a year of virtual events it means a huge amount to our veterans to come together for the opening for the Glasgow Garden of Remembrance.
“This year is especially important as it marks the centenary of Legion Scotland, and 100 years of the Poppy Appeal.
“Legion Scotland branches, clubs and members offer a vital support network for the Armed Forces community and are a vibrant part of local communities across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Our centenary is both a time to celebrate our rich history and heritage, and look positively towards the future with renewed vigour.”
The garden is open until Remembrance Sunday on November 14.
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