PREPARATIONS are being finalised for Remembrance services across Dumfries and Galloway tomorrow.
A range of events will take place on Sunday to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
There will be services and wreath laying-ceremonies 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.
Lord Lieutenants, ministers, councillors, civic leaders and veterans will lead the way, with youth groups and community organisations also taking part.
Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway Council say ‘New Scots’ from the region’s resettlement scheme will also participate in Stranraer, Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Sanquhar, Kelloholm, Lockerbie and Annan.
Furthermore, flags will fly on council buildings from Friday to Tuesday as a mark of respect, and a national two-minute silence will be held on Monday, 11 November, at 11 am.
This weekend’s programme includes:
* A service at Gretna Old Parish Church at 10.15 am followed by a wreath laying service at the war memorial at 10.50 am
* Councillor Archie Dryburgh will lay a wreath at 11 am at Annan War Memorial
* A service will take place in Lockerbie at 10 am, with the parade at 10.45 and wreath laying at 11 am, at which council leader Cllr Gail Macgregor will be present
* Provost Maureen Johnstone will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Dumfries at 11 am at St John’s War Memorial, Dumfries
* A remembrance service at Wamphray Church will start at 10.50 am
* Waterbeck Church’s service also starts at 10.50 am
* Boreland, Hutton and Corrie’s remembrance is from 9.15-30 am
* Residents will gather at the Applegarth Monument at 2 pm
* Ecclefechan war memorial, 10.40 am
* Moffat war memorial 11 am, followed by service at Upper Annandale Parish Church at 11.15 am
* Lochmaben parade starts at 11.45 am to the war memorial for wreath laying, then church service will follow
* The Langholm parade will gather at the Buccleuch Centre at 10 am and move to the Kirk. After the service there, the wreaths will be laid in Buccleuch Park
* Dumfries Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Crichton Church from 7 pm on Sunday night
Commenting, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Armed Forces Champion, 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.”
Council convenor Cllr Malcolm Johnstone added: “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.”
