Record turnout for Kirkcaldy Remembrance Day parade
Remembrance Sunday at Kirkcaldy War Memorial
well over 1000 people turned out to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives in conflicts around the globe at Kirkcaldy’s Remembrance Day parade on Sunday.
Representatives from the Navy, Army and Airforce as well as their respective cadets were joined by dignitaries and politicians, the emergency services, uniformed organisations, Masonic lodges and members of the public at the service at the town’s war memorial.
Bright and sunny, if chilly, weather drew the crowds, with a record attendance and the biggest ever number of wreaths laid this year.
Pupils
And all four of Kirkcaldy’s high schools, Balwearie, Kirkcaldy High, Viewforth and St Andrews were represented by two pupils who laid wreaths in honour of the fallen.
The service was conducted for the first time by Captain Philip James of the Salvation Army, and he spoke of the bravery of the Armed forces and the desire of all nations for a lasting peace around the world.
The service was organised by the Kirkcaldy branch of the Royal British Legion, with individuals and organisations wanting to lay wreaths contacting secretary Jim Paterson right up until the last minute.
Kirkcaldy and District Pipe Band led the procession from the Town Square up to the War Memorial and Dunfermline Brass Band also played during the service, with bugler Danny Harrison and piper William Wallace (14) playing solos.
The Queen was represented by Mrs Mary Robertson, depute lord lieutenant of Fife, and David Torrance MSP and Councillor Neil Crooks, chairman of Fife Council’s Kirkcaldy area committee also laid wreaths.
Afterwards, Mr Torrance said he had been delighted at the turnout from members of the public who not only filled the area in front of the memorial but spread down the main walkway and right around the grassy banks surrounding it.
Turnout
“It was great to see so many people, not just associated to the armed forces, but also members of the public, youth organisations and the high schools taking part today.
“The turnout has really grown over the past few years and I commend the excellent work done by the British Legion to bring together such an event.”
Jim Paterson, secretary of the Kirkcaldy branch of the Legion added: “I want to thank everyone for turning out - the numbers are fantastic.
“I would be very grateful in future years if the secretaries of the organisations or individuals wishing to lay wreaths would contact me well in advance so we can plan for the numbers. Also a big thank you to Fife Council, the police and the Adam Smith Theatre for all their help.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
