Provost set to host Garden of Remembrance Service
A special service will take place this Saturday to mark the start of the Inverclyde Remembrance commemorations.
The event, organised by Inverclyde Council and charity Poppyscotland, will take place in Clyde Square, Greenock, at 11am on Saturday, October 28.
It will be hosted by Provost Drew McKenzie and signals the beginning of the 2023 Inverclyde Poppy Appeal as Clyde Square will host Inverclyde’s Garden of Remembrance until Remembrance Sunday on November 12.
The ceremony will be led by Reverend Jonathan Fleming and members of the public are welcome to attend.
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 across Inverclyde to help current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Provost McKenzie said: “This service to host the Garden of Remembrance marks the start of our annual commemorations leading up to Remembrance Day and it is one that I am always honoured to take part in.
“The service 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.
“The poppy was first adopted as the symbol of sacrifice more than 100 years ago in 1921 and it is still worn proudly today to support all those who’ve fought and died in conflicts, and their families.
“The service is open to all and I’m certain there will be many people there to pay their respects.”
Following the ceremony in Clyde Square to mark the Garden of Remembrance, Provost McKenzie will pay tribute to those killed in the Greenock Blitz by visiting Greenock Cemetery after the service to lay wreaths at the memorials there. Members of the public are also welcome to attend this service.