Buckie turns out in force to honour the war fallen.
Buckie joined communities up and down the land on Sunday to honour those who fell during two World Wars and countless other conflicts across the globe.
A large crowd of people made their way to Cluny Square for the Remembrance Sunday service, which was led by Rev Canon Jeremy Paisey from the town’s All Saints Episcopal Church.
In his opening prayer, Rev Canon Paisey called for reconciliation of nations, the call coming at a time when the war in the Ukraine drags on, the Middle East seems to fall ever further into the abyss of war and countless other conflicts trouble the globe.
He continued: “We meet in the presence of God and commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace; praying for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror; and we remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in World Wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away."
As usual, the parade got Buckie’s remembrance under way, leaving from outside the legion. Taking the lead were a parade of bikers, followed by Buckie Boys' Brigade bugle band and then the procession of veterans, resplendent in their medals from numerous campaigns across the world. They were joined by representatives from the military, emergency services and other local organisations. Taking their usual place at the head of the parade – which was commanded by Peter McPhee – were Buckie and District Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Ian Flaws and Drum Major Audrey Coull.
The salute this year was taken by Lt Col (Rtd) Euan Grant MBE.
A Scripture reading followed Rev Canon Paisey’s opening prayer, with the exhortation that “We will remember them” heralding the Last Post – performed by bugler Janet Winterbourne – before the two minutes’ silence in memory of the fallen began. Marking both the beginning and end of the silence was James Porter from Buckie and District Pipe Band on the bass drum.
The Buckie Remembrance Sunday parade marches down High Street towards Cluny Square:
The silence was ended with the traditional Scottish lament Flowers of the Forest, played on the bagpipes by Sandy Shearer, and the Reveille by Janet Winterbourne before the wreath laying party were called upon, one by one, to lay their poppy tributes.
Prayers of Intercession followed, with the Kohima tribute – "When you go home, tell them of us and say; For their tomorrow, we gave our today" – remaining as poignant and relevant as ever.
The final blessing was given by Rev Paisey before the national anthem brought the service to a close
The memorial quadrant of Cluny Square was once again looking at its best for Remembrance Sunday, with a number of displays, including a cross of poppies topped with a Tommy’s helmet.
A final prayer from Rev Canon Paisey brought the service to a close, with the national anthem rounding off proceedings.
Buckie Community Choir led the communal hymn singing during the service.
For more information about the work of the Royal British Legion, who organised the service, and to help veterans of all ages, visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
