Glasgow remember the fallen

Glasgow city centre was brought to a standstill last week as people paid their respects to the fallen heroes of previous conflicts.

In George Square an Armistice Day ceremony was held with a two-minute silence at 11am to commemorate the end of World War I 93 years ago.

With the Union Jack at half-mast, a poignant mood swept across the square where hundreds of people turned out to reflect on the servicemen and ex-servicemen who had fought for the nation’s freedom.

Everyone was proudly wearing the poppy, which has served as a symbol for the date 11 November for 90 years.

The poppy appeal, run by the Royal British Legion (RBL), raises millions of pounds for those who have fought in wars, and their families.

President of RBL Scotland Jim Richardson, 86, who was a prisoner of war in a Japanese concentration camp, said his experiences still linger with him to this day:

“I mentioned to someone before that my experiences in the service have ruined my life. I have never been able to forget them and they are constantly with me every day.

"I would rather I did not have these memories. The pain never goes away."

However, the war veteran believed the symbol of the poppy is still as powerful as ever – and has had a revival with the conflict in Afghanistan.

“We’ve helped several hundred young servicemen and women with accommodation, employment, pension, health and getting their lives back together. A lot of them depend on the help they get,” Richardson added.

Royal Fusilier Rory Carrey, who has served in Afghanistan, insisted the day was not only to remember those who died in World War I and II but also to reflect on soldiers who gave their lives fighting in more recent conflicts.

Carrey said: “From Iraq, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan – it’s real. It is not just remembering the old soldiers, it is now, it is here. And people should not forget that.”