Region gets ready to remember

TODAY is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the region will be marking the milestone.

There will be remembrance events and wreath layings through the day, including at Castle Douglas British Legion Rooms, Dalbeattie War Memorial, Dumfries War Memorial at St John’s Church, Newton Stewart War Memorial and Stranraer Castle Green.

And on Saturday morning there will be a VJ80 parade on Saturday morning in Dumfries town centre.

The parade will march off for the Plainstaines at 10.30 am for the laying of the wreaths. As well as veterans and personnel, it will include bands, vintage army vehicles and standard bearers.

The Provost of Dumfries will deliver the official welcome and the council’s armed forces champion Cllr Archie Dryburgh will lead the ceremony, during which some of the area’s lord lieutenants will be laying wreaths.

Meanwhile, Dumfries’ People’s Poet Peter Angelini has penned a tribute poem, entitled Brave British and Commonwealth Soldier. It goes:

Many years have passed them but their memory with us strong remains,

It’s very clear we miss them because with us sadly they are no longer here.

But despite that, they are still very close to our heart.

We thank also God and how hard they fought.

Through that today freedom have we got,

Many lay to rest in peace to these faraway fields where battle hard they fought,

Every year in springtime something wonderful happens:

A spectacle for all to share,

red poppies blossom everywhere,

One for every drop of blood that was shed there.

And that reminds all of us how brave and special they were,

We are proud of them and to say is only fair.