Veterans Here & Now: Kirkcaldy Galleries exhibition honours those who served

It’s Remembrance Sunday in the memorial gardens, and the heavens have opened. In other words, it’s pouring, not just a light spatter but the kind that means “I’ll need to seriously dry my coat” later.

I thank him and shuffle closer, and, as often happens here, a natter starts up between two Lang Touners. He tells me he’s been coming to the service for years, and this is the first time he’s seen it rain.

Despite the weather, the turnout is strong, a mix of the community including all the high schools.

As always, I find myself drawn towards those in uniform, standing with a poise born from years of military service. It struck me, since the Veterans – Here & Now project began, how much I’ve learned, not only about the people who serve, but also about who they are when you’re lucky enough to be in their company.

The idea came when I was interviewing Bill Mason, well-known to many in the toun, as a subject for Kirkcaldy Guardians.

Bill spoke about his work with veterans, not just the once-a-year ceremony, but the ongoing efforts to help with the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, PTSD, addiction, poverty, and the quiet struggle of asking for help. He and many others in the community, including SSAFA based on Hunter Street, work tirelessly to offer dignity and compassion to those who’ve served, especially when they need it most.

Then came the vision. I remembered a black and white photography booklet by Cath Ruane, a fellow regular at creative events in the toun, who had captured Skoti, our local troubadour extraordinaire, Graham Scott, on the cover. Her lens had frozen the intensity of his singing and the joy of performance in a single, powerful image. I thought, I can see our local veterans envisioned in the glory of her lens.

One chat later, and we decided to give it a go, and since then, I’ve witnessed Cath create pure magic.

Next came a catch-up with Bill Mason, the gold standard of local gentlemen if ever there was one, and the fantastic team at OnFife, including Helen Stevenson and Jane Freel, along with all the lovely souls who work in the galleries.

Together, they supported our wee idea of an exhibition, which has been housed upstairs since June, looking out over the War Memorial.

Through this community, I’ve learned more than I ever expected. The military pose, the quiet confidence, the listening, not to reply, but to truly hear, and the unfailing respect for others. Their presence, their noble bearing, has taught me to stand tall in my own space.

I used to think of remembrance as two minutes of silence on a Sunday morning in November. Now I understand it’s part of life, it’s in the love you hold for a family member, a friend, a neighbour. The silence helps you remember, the community, our Lang Toun, helps you stand tall.

To the gentleman who offered his brolly in chivalry, thank you sincerely for helping me remember who matters most.

If you are a veteran and would like to be featured in the Veterans – Here & Now project, please email Lisa and Cath at [email protected]