VE Day 80: Special gift for veterans from Brora pupils at Clyne Parish War Memorial ceremony
Veterans attending the VE Day 80 commemoration at Clyne Parish War Memorial in Brora yesterday received an extra special gift.
Pupils from Brora Primary School’s P5/6 class had made posters to present to the veterans.
Dr Nick Lindsay, chairman of the Friends of Clyne War Memorial Association (FoCWMA), the group which organised the event with Brora Community Council said it was a “really nice gesture”.
Around 90 people attended the event, including 95-year-old Geoff Smyth of Achrimsdale, who was present at the Victory Parade celebrations in London in June 1946.
The war memorial clock chimed at 10am, followed by the ringing of bells from all five Brora churches ringing for five minutes.
“It was a real sense of community and collaboration made possible by Angus Millar of FoCWMA,” said Dr Lindsay.
Dr Lindsay read words from the veterans and then spoke about the meaning of VE Day in 1945 and also its meaning today.
He said: “We are only able to stand here today in freedom — to speak, gather, and celebrate -- because of what our servicemen and women did during the course of World War II.
“VE Day in 1945 was a time for joy, as hostilities in Europe came to an end. But it was also a time for reflection. War still raged in the Far East, and many would never return to their families. Today we remember those who did not come home to celebrate.”
Dr Lindsay then laid a wreath donated by Faye MacLeod of local florist’s Maisies Daisies. Wreaths were also laid by Depute Lieutenant Dawn McKenzie on behalf of the Sutherland lieutenancy team and Dave Andrews on behalf of Brora Community Council.
There was a two-minute silence, after which piper Danny Parkin played The Green Hills of Tyrol, followed by When the Battle’s Over, finishing just as the clock chimed at 10.15pm.
A social gathering then took place at the Sutherland Inn where bacon rolls, coffee and cake were served, and the public mingled and talked about the event.
