Garden of Remembrance service this Saturday
A SPECIAL service will take place this weekend to signal the start of the Inverclyde Remembrance commemorations.
The event, organised by Inverclyde Council and charity Poppyscotland, will take place at the Garden of Remembrance in Clyde Square, Greenock, at 11am on Saturday 29 October 2022 hosted by Provost Drew McKenzie.
The ceremony, which is open to members of the public to attend, will be led by Reverend Jonathan Fleming, of Wellpark Mid Kirk.
Following a short service, crosses bearing poppies will be laid by those in attendance, including representatives from Poppyscotland, Inverclyde Council and members of the Greenock Sea Cadet Corps, who will form a guard of honour and play a lament.
The service is an opportunity to pay respects to the men and women killed in service over the years and supports Poppyscotland’s fundraising efforts to help current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Provost McKenzie said: “The Garden of Remembrance service marks the start of our annual Armistice and Remembrance commemorations and one that I am honoured to be a part of.
“It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal run by Poppyscotland and the life-changing work the charity does throughout the year supporting serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
“It is more than 100 years since the poppy was first adopted as the symbol of sacrifice – a symbol which is now so powerful and poignant – and people continue to wear poppies to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The service is open to all to pay their respects.”
Following the Garden of Remembrance ceremony, Provost McKenzie will mark the memory of those killed in the Greenock Blitz by visiting Greenock Cemetery after the service to lay wreaths at the memorials there.