Dumfries Festival of Remembrance is being held tomorrow night at 7pm in the Crichton Memorial Church.
It has been organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland (Dumfries and Maxwelltown Branch), as well as members of the town’s Veterans Garden and the Royal Burgh of Dumfries Tattoo.
Support has also come from the Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong, The Crichton Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council ahead of the UK’s annual Armistice day on November 11 and Remembrance Sunday, which falls on November 13 this year.
The region’s Armed Forces Champion, councillor Archie Dryburgh, is encouraging the public to go along to tomorrow night’s festival, which is free to attend.
The former Gordon Highlander, who spearheaded the region’s WWI centenary and Quintinshill Disaster commemoration event and was awarded the MBE in the 2019 Queen’s New Year Honours for supporting veterans in many ways across the region, said: “It is important that we remember those who died for us in wars and conflicts, the veterans who have served, and those still serving today.
“The Dumfries Festival of Remembrance is a chance to do that in the beautiful Crichton Memorial Church. It is free to come along and there is a packed programme planned.”
Archie will give the welcome after the opening fanfare from Jordon Tweedie and the March on Standards will be performed by Piper Major Callum Watson.
During the service, readings will be given by the Lord Lieutenant, Dumfries Provost Tracey Little, Lt Col (retired, Royal Scots) John Charteris MBE, Major Pete Patrick and Frank Roy.
School captains at St Joseph’s College, Louise Jones and Lahri Nagodavithana, will both read poems.
Dumfries Town Band will perform I Vow To Thee My Country and Highland Cathedral.
One of the highlights will be the building of a Drumhead Altar by members of the Veterans Garden and the Dumfries Baptist Church Choir.
Stuart Robb has been charged with reading Binyon’s Lines, while the Kohima Ephitaph will be read by RBLS national chairman, Martyn Hawthorn MBE.
The service will end with Callum Watson and the RBLS standard bearers performing Sleeping Warrior and the retrieval of the standards, the national anthem from Dumfries Town Band, and closing vote of thanks from Mr Hawthorn.
