Prayers for peace as Buckie remembers war fallen
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PRAYERS for peace struck a deep chord on Sunday as Buckie and other communities across the country gathered to commemorate the war fallen.
A good crowd of young and old alike made their way to Cluny Square in the town to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars and countless conflicts since as part of Remembrance Sunday.
A parade of bikers got proceedings under way, followed by Buckie Boys' Brigade bugle band and then the procession of veterans, resplendent in their medals from many campaigns. 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.
WATCH: The Buckie Remembrance Sunday parade makes its way down High Street to Cluny Square.
Taking the salute this year was Major Malcolm Thomson.
Thanks to the hard work of community group Buckie's Roots the memorial quadrant of Cluny Square was filled with displays paying homage to war dead, including a cross made of poppies topped with a Tommy's helmet.
An opening prayer by Buckie All Saints Episcopal Church minister Rev Canon Jeremy Paisey – who was leading the service – had a special resonance given the bloodshed in Israel and Gaza as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Praying for "reconciliation between nations", Rev Canon Paisey said: "[We pray] 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."
A scripture reading from the Letter to the Romans by Rev Ellie McKay of Buckie South and West was followed by 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, the bass drum marking the commemoration being played by James Porter.
The silence was ended with the traditional Scottish lament Flowers of the Forest, played on the bagpipes by Graham Goldie, 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.
Leading the hymn singing during the service were Buckie Community Choir with local DJ Paul T looking after the sound for the event.
To find out more 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/
