Monday November 16th 2020
On the 11th of November every year, we remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country. Even in a year where the pandemic has taken over, this day of reflection for those lost to war remained a very important date in the diary.
Unfortunately, our Remembrance Day Ceremonies could not take place in the form we all would wish for. I was in Dalkeith for Sunday 11.00am with the Lord Lieutenant, Richard Callander, and others who chose to lay wreaths in commemoration. My thanks to those who made the effort on a cold wet day to attend. I visited other memorials across the constituency and laid a wreath at each one.
The lack of crowds and formalities, and the action of simply laying a wreath and taking a few moments of contemplation was powerful and memorable. I went around other memorials in the constituency and similarly was able to focus on the actual reason for being there, which had nothing to do with flags and a piper, but everything to do with remembering those who made sacrifices so that we could enjoy democracy, free speech, and our personal freedoms.
We will remember them. It is important that we recognise the great sacrifices of those people that allow us to live as we do today. We wear our poppies to show our gratitude for their selflessness and heroism.
Many were unable to do poppy collections this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this means that there are less donations than usual to help support those in Scotland who have been affected by war. You can still donate to Poppy Scotland, who provide life changing support to those who have fought for our Armed Forces at: www.poppyscotland.org.uk
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