Forres area community invited to honour armed forces personnel who have died in the line of duty at St Leonard's Church and War Memorial

ON Sunday, November 12 the community is invited to honour armed forces personnel who have died in the line of duty.

The Forres branch of Royal British Legion (Scotland) is organising the annual parade to the War Memorial and back, this year featuring 39 Engineer Regiment, 2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade Company, 1st Forres Guides, 446 (Forres) Squadron, Air Training Corps, 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadets and Forres RBL representatives.

RBL secretary Jodie Burnside confirmed a service at St Leonard’s Church starting at 10.40am will be followed by the march to the statue at noon.

She said: “Remembrance is a time to reflect on losses during war time but also for family and friends who have passed. This event is open to all. After the main parade has passed I would encourage everyone to fall in behind and walk to St Catherine’s Road. At 12.30pm we will march back through High Street and finish at the Legion where everyone can relax together.”

Reverend Donald Prentice will conduct the service while Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Moray Joanna Grant Peterkin is taking the salute at the memorial. Ms Burnside has assured attendees that the previously quiet speaker systems in place at the War Memorial have been upgraded.

The RBL secretary has been in the role since January.

She said: “ I left the RAF in 2014. I’m looking forward to encouraging more people to join the legion and more events that bring the community together.”