Remembrance Sunday appropriately was November 11th, 100 years since the Armistice was signed effectively ending the fighting in Europe and the rest of the World. The parades around Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston belong to the community and all were welcome to attend, march and participate. Many veterans and families wore medals of relatives and wore them with pride. A few little surprises cancelled on us at the last minute however we did have the company of The Scottish Military Vehicle Group and WW1 re enactors lining the route during the parade. Some of whom travelled from as far away as Dunoon to volunteer there time for all those we lost during the war. Total respect to you all and thank you.
At this year’s parade we had a column of veterans proudly marching with us as there was no need to belong to any ex services organisation, they just marched with us with there heads held high. Those of whom were unable to march were seated in the Melbourne Cafe so they could keep warm and dry. We had a huge number of groups marching in the parade, far too many to mention and the deputy lieutenant from Ayrshire and Arran Matt Smith in attendance (and whom like the rest of us got a jolly good soaking).
This was a once in a lifetime chance and never to be repeated opportunity to participate and I was really overwhelmed with the turnout despite the weather. There are 525,600 minutes in this year, on the 11th November at 11am we all spent 2 of those minutes reflecting and remembering those who paid the price so that we can enjoy the remaining 525,598 in peace and freedom. I salute each and everyone who took part, volunteered and helped set up this momentus day, what an absolutely terrific team effort by all.
The parade was live streamed by Eddy and his team from Ayrshire Film company and we had a wonderful flow of photographers including Kes and Marion. Thanks to Elaine at the Melbourne for allowing us to display our WW1 memorabilia on loan from my dear friend Pete and Poppy Scotland.
Thanks to all our parade marshalls, councillors, local groups, schools, history groups, flag bearers, isle of cumbrae pipe band (who also piped at the war memorial at 6am), adelaide college who provided the sound system, local veterans, breakfast club, legion, melbourne cafe for opening early providing free food and drink after the parade, The labour Club for the hot food and drink and the Stevenston Masonic for the lovely food and drink too.
The Saltcoats Parade has never been so successful and with such a brilliant team effort all round am really looking forward to next years parade!
Despite the horrendous weather and boy did the heavens open, it was a truly remarkable morning and a day I'll never forget.
I didn't manage to make the Ardrossan parade as I had to change out of my wet uniform but I did manage along to the Stevenston war memorial just in the nick of time to pay my respects. Well done Paul I know how hard you've worked this year and it certainly paid off.
Look out for the planting of the time capsule at Saltcoats War Memorial next week.
Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhI4ReJv-kY&feature=share
Remember if you have anything you'd like put in the capsule before burial please do let us know.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. 🌺