Renfrewshire pays tribute to armed forces

Renfrewshire has once again paid tribute to local servicemen and women as part of national Armed Forces Day.

The official Armed Forces Day flag was raised during a special ceremony outside Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters in Paisley on Friday June 20, followed by an Armed Forces Day service in Paisley Abbey on Saturday 21 June.

The service was led by Reverend Alan Birss of Paisley Abbey and Rt. Rev. John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley.

Current and former members of the armed forces, along with military families, civic leaders, and members of the community were present in the congregation.

Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Guy Clark and Provost of Inverclyde Robert Moran both gave readings at the service and Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall led the Prayer of Intercession.

There were also performances by the Wallace Primary Choir and St Stephen’s High School Brass Band.

Provost Hall said: “Renfrewshire has a proud tradition of commemorating the service and sacrifice of our armed forces.

“Armed Forces Day has become an integral part of that tradition and this year’s celebrations are even more relevant in the year that the World War One centenary commemorations begin.

“Both the flag raising ceremony and the service were very well attended and it was encouraging to see the armed forces and the community so strongly represented.

“It was a pleasure to join the Lord-Lieutenant, the Provost of Inverclyde, Reverend Birss, Bishop Keenan and everyone present in honouring the brave men and women who are serving or have served their country with such distinction.”

Following the service in Paisley Abbey, the two Provosts and the Lord-Lieutenant visited Hawkhead Cemetery to each lay a wreath at the Victoria Cross monument.

Before the service members of the Royal British Legion marched to Abbey Close carrying their standard.

Funds raised in a collection at the service will be donated to Erskine and SSAFA.

Image 1 

Flag-raising ceremony outside Renfrewshire Council hq, Renfrewshire House,  on Friday June 20 

l-r  Rt. Rev. John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley, Rev. Alan Birss of Paisley Abbey, Guy Clark, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall and Corporal Ronnie Townsend

Image 2

Guy Clark, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire joins Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, Inverclyde’s Provost Robert Moran, church representatives and members of the armed forces past and present before the service at Paisley Abbey

Image 3

Wreath-laying at Hawkhead Cemetery

l-r  Rt. Rev. John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley, Reverend Alan Birss of Paisley Abbey, Guy Clark, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, Flight Sergeant Jennifer Adam of 2175 Air Training Corps, and Inverclyde’s Provost Robert Moran

Image 4

Inside the service at Paisley Abbey

Image 5

Veteran outside Paisley Abbey

Images 6 + 7

        Colours of regiments on display

Image 8

Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall lays wreath at the Victoria Cross monument in Hawkhead Cemetery.

Courtesy of Renfrewshire Council.

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