Key Highlights
- Main Remembrance services in South Lanarkshire will take place on Sunday, November 9.
- Veterans’ and community organizations will participate in the parades and ceremonies.
- Wreaths will be laid at nearly 70 war memorials across the county.
- Nearly 200 landmarks are invited to “Light Up Red” for a visible tribute to armed forces.
Remembrance Sunday Services in South Lanarkshire: A Day of Commemoration
The annual Remembrance Sunday services in South Lanarkshire will be held on Sunday, November 9, with significant events planned across the county. These commemorations honor those who fought and died in wars throughout history, focusing particularly on the end of World War II which marks its 80th anniversary this year.
Main Services Across South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire’s main Remembrance services will take place in various locations. In Hamilton, a significant event will center around the war memorial in Bothwell Road park, attended by Lady Susan Haughey, the lord lieutenant of Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire provost Margaret Cooper. A parade of standard bearers, military, and community organizations will gather at the army reserve centre at Hatton House on Bothwell Road, marching to the nearby war memorial before returning to South Lanarkshire Council’s offices.
The Remembrance service in East Kilbride will be held at the war memorial off Graham Avenue, starting at 10:40 am.
Among those attending this service are depute lord lieutenant Angela Bonomy and South Lanarkshire councillor Geri Gray. In Larkhall, a local service will take place at Glenview war memorial beginning at 10:30 am, with attendees including depute lord lieutenant Sandy Wilkie and councillors Andy Carmichael, Ross Clark, Richard Nelson, and Lesley McDonald.
County-Wide Commemorations
In addition to the main services, North Lanarkshire will also hold its two primary Remembrance services at the war memorial in Airdrie (10:45 am) and at the Cenotaph in Duchess of Hamilton Park in Motherwell (3:00 pm). North Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters at the Civic Centre in Motherwell will be illuminated in red for Remembrance weekend and Armistice Day on November 11, in line with a national initiative by Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.
Poppyscotland is inviting businesses and landmarks across Scotland to “Light Up Red” as part of its appeal. National Poppy Appeal manager Richard Todd stated that this initiative has been well-received, with nearly 200 destinations participating last year. He emphasized the importance of visible support for armed forces community members past and present.
Personal Reflections on Remembrance
Lady Haughey, representing the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, highlighted the significance of the event: “2,309 Lanarkshire men and women lost their lives in the war. Their names are inscribed on memorials in towns and villages across the county, and we will pay our respects on Remembrance Sunday.” She added, “We remember those who did not come home. We remember those who fought and who died and who suffered in body and mind, so many of them until their last dying day.
We acknowledge our incalculable debt to them.”
Remembrance Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by generations past, fostering a sense of unity and respect for those who have served. The events in South Lanarkshire this year aim to honor these individuals while also marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
