Armed Forces Day parade in Blairgowrie

Jul 12 2012 by Clare Damodaran, Blairgowrie Adv

Armed Forces Day parade in Blairgowrie

BLAIRGOWRIE and Rattray Community Council organised a parade from the British Legion Clubrooms in George Street to the Wellmeadow on Thursday evening last week to mark Armed Forces Day.

The parade was led by Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Davie Miller, and included the local Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force, including standard bearer Corporal Paul Boyle, and members of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council.

The official party at the Wellmeadow included British Legion branch president, Sir William Macpherson of Cluny.

The flag was raised by Mr Jim Beedie of the British Legion, escorted by Army cadets.

After the flag was raised, the Rev. Harry Mowbray, Blairgowrie Parish Church, spoke.

He said: Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to do two things. Firstly, to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Secondly, it gives the nation an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community - from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets.

Across the country people are involved. Communities hold local events and business show their support. The armed forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers and providing security and fighting terrorism.

Public support for the armed forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families. Armed Forces Day also helps to provide resources to support this countrys veterans, both during resettlement and after leaving and gives us an opportunity to remember the work of the British Legion and other charities who work to provide assistance and support to members, and former members of our armed forces who may be in need.

Chairman of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, Jim Bradley, thanked everyone for turning out to support the armed forces and said that thoughts were with the families of those lost in the Moray Firth last week.

The Pipe Band played at the conclusion of the ceremony.