Roya British Legion (Scotland) invites community to Remembrance service at St Leonard's Church and march to Forres War Memorial

THE community is being invited to honour members of the armed forces who have died in conflict.

On Sunday, November 13, the Forres branch of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) is organising a Remembrance march of Forres and District Pipe Band, 39 Engineer Regiment, BBs, cadets, scouts, brownies and guides from the town centre to the War Memorial and back following a service at St Leonard's Church.

RBL secretary Mary Sobey confirmed the parade will meet opposite the church at 10.30am and enter at 10.40am for the service with Reverend Donald Prentice until noon.

She said: "With all the troubles going on in the world, take a moment to reflect on all that has gone before and appreciate what we have now. Please join the parade."

Rev Prentice's wife Alison pointed out that he served with various regiments during 18 years as an army padre in war zones where fellow soldiers were killed or wounded.

She said: "Even when not on tour with them Donald was involved with bereaved families at home. He even conducted the funeral of a young soldier whom we knew in Mull who had attended playgroup with our daughters.

"It is for him, and those like him, that I will be attending the service. These lads gave everything for their country, as did those who fought in all the previous wars. They should not be forgotten."

Rev Prentice highlighted that there is a real and practical need for Remembrance parades and church memorial services

He said: "Anybody who has served in battles know that war robs people of friends at a time they are fully engaged in duties, under orders. They do not have the choice or the time to grieve for friends or colleagues.

"In addition, whole families who have lost someone, extending even to whole communities that feel the losses, need opportunities to show solidarity. So, without any funeral services, there has to be fitting memorial for those killed while serving our country."

Rev Prentice underscored another practical reason for Remembrance is the acknowledgment of the deep sadness and tragedy of war.

He said: "I admire the courage of people who wear a white poppy, as a free statement for peace, which is what we all want.

"Wars are decided upon by politicians and governments, but the supreme sacrifices of war are paid for in lives. So there is time and space made to commemorate the losses of our enemies, people who may not have have any choices in the matter.

"There is a danger that such ceremonies could drift into a celebration of military pride and jingoism but there are safeguards against that. Yes, all serving military personnel are disciplined to turn out smart and deliver a march past, done as an act of service and a mark of respect.

"So this year, whether civilians, veterans or serving young military personnel, let us do our best to pay our respects for someone and for the many somebodies, who gave up their lives so that we can enjoy freedoms today, the many named and un-named people listed on all our memorials and in the memorial written in people's hearts.

"This can be summed up best in the Epitaph of Kohima; 'When you go home, tell them of us, and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today'."

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Nancy Robson will be taking the salute and wreath laying at the War Memorial from 12.15pm.

She said: "I will be honoured to represent HM King Charles III and join with the participants of the parade and the people of Forres to remember the fallen.

"It is an occasion to commemorate the brave men of the area who gave their lives for their country and whose names are inscribed on the Memorial.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the servicemen and servicewomen of this country who over the years have ensured our freedom.

"We will remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday this year and every year."

At 12.30pm, the march will reconvene and head back up through Bridge Street, High Street and Tolbooth Street to the Legion where the parade will be dismissed at 12.45pm.

Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead will be laying a wreath.

He said: "It is always a privilege to join the community to remember those who have given their lives for their country, and to meet with Moray veterans and serving personnel.

"Our armed forces play an important role in our local communities, especially in Kinloss and Forres, and I look forward to joining the community as we come together to pay our respects."