In late 2023, we included some articles on how various Legion Scotland branches marked Remembrance. Since then, we have received updates from several more branches. A fuller list of events will be included in the spring edition of Legion Scotland Today magazine.

 

On Saturday 11 November, an annual Festival of Remembrance was held at Crichton Memorial Church in Dumfries. The event was hosted by the Veterans Garden Dumfries – which was recently awarded an MBE-equivalent honour – and the Dumfries and Maxwelltown branch of Legion Scotland. 

Among the performers were the Annan Town Band, the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Youth Choir, and members of Legion Scotland. Readings were also given by local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries Fiona Armstrong and Dumfries Provost Councillor Maureen Johnstone. 

Representing Legion Scotland were area chair Mick Connor, area vice-chair Stewart Walker, and the master of ceremonies, Archie Dryburgh MBE, who is also area secretary and Dumfries and Galloway’s Armed Forces champion. 

Archie said, “The audience were treated to some spectacular music and songs from the band and choir, the making of a drumhead altar and excellent piping from our young piper Gregor Grierson. A prayer came from Padre Tom Bonnar, who helps at the Veterans Garden. And Police Scotland cadets read poems from local poets written during World War One. The festival was a great success and we look forward to next year's programme.”