West Lothian schoolchildren help to mark Remembrance Day

Local schoolchildren from West Lothian participated in a special Remembrance Day service at the Bathgate War Memorial. The service was held on Friday, November 8, and was organised by the ASA Scotland Charity Chairman, Cllr Harry Cartmill, and Secretary Tommy Davidson. The event saw the involvement of students and teachers from several schools including St Kentigern’s Academy, Bathgate Academy, St Mary’s Primary, Boghall Primary, St Columba’s Primary, Windyknowe Primary, and Balbardie Primary.

During the service, the children had the opportunity to read the names inscribed on the memorial and learn about the significance of Remembrance Day. They also heard a family story from Harry that highlighted his connection to the Battle of the Somme. The children were educated about the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and showed their gratitude to local RAF Veteran Meg Stenhouse for her service. Meg, who has extensively researched the wars that Bathgate and West Lothian were involved in, was commended for ensuring that the area’s heritage is remembered by future generations.

A touching moment during the service was a reading of a poem by Iona Gemmell from S1 Bathgate Academy, followed by a two-minute silence to honour the fallen heroes and express gratitude to the veterans and their families for their sacrifices. Tommy Davidson emphasised the important message that “freedom is not free” and reiterated the importance of remembering those who have served their country.

The event served as a poignant reminder of the significance of Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made by past generations for the freedom and peace we enjoy today. Through their participation in the service, the children of West Lothian demonstrated their respect and appreciation for the bravery and service of the Armed Forces.

In conclusion, the community in West Lothian came together to pay tribute to the fallen heroes on Remembrance Day. The event not only honoured the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their country but also provided an educational opportunity for the younger generation to learn about the importance of remembrance and gratitude towards our Armed Forces. It was a touching and meaningful ceremony that highlighted the unity and respect within the local community.