Published: Wednesday, 5th November, 2008 12:30
Show your support for services personnel
By Alloa newsroom
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Keith Brown MSP (right) and Gordon Banks MP at last year's Remembrance Day service in Alloa.
Pic by: David Robertson
THE people of Clackmannanshire are being encouraged to turn out this Remembrance Sunday to show their support for the county’s service men and women.
Ochil MSP Keith Brown is urging everyone to use this Sunday’s events to remember those who have fought in past wars and conflicts – and to spare a thought for those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A number of Wee County soldiers serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders have just completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and Mr Brown said it was important to remember those involved in today’s conflicts as well as the brave men and women who served in the World Wars.
He said, “Remembrance Sunday is the day we traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today, and it is only by remembering what others have done for us, that we can truly appreciate this.
“Remembrance Day gives every one of us, regardless of background, the opportunity to stop and think about the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women.
“Since 1945 more than 12,000 British servicemen and women have been killed or injured on active service, and there are those who today risk their lives for our sake.
“There are services and parades in nearly every town and village in Clackmannanshire and I would invite all those who are able to take part on Sunday 9 November to do so.”
Based on Royal British Legion estimates, there are around one million Scots in the veterans’ community – that’s roughly one in five of all people in Scotland.
This includes ex-service personnel from both the regular and reserve forces, their partners and their children.
Over the past year Mr Brown has been actively involved in promoting issues that are faced by many service personnel when they leave the army.
He has spoken in a Member’s debate in Holyrood, where he called for better support for ex-service personnel, and he is also the vice-convener of the recently established cross-party group on supporting veterans.
Mr Brown said, “For the first time, the Scottish Government has set out a programme for assisting our veterans across Scotland and has gone out of its way to examine the problems that veterans encounter.
“This Parliament is not responsible for our citizens when they are in uniform, but when they leave service we are responsible for supporting them in their health, their housing and their chances for learning and training.”
Mr Brown has prepared a leaflet which gives the contact details for the agencies which can offer support and advice to veterans and their families.
This is available from his constituency office in Mill Street, Alloa.
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