Varied events lined-up to mark Veterans’ Day
Monday, June 4 2007
An evening of music and entertainment will be held in the Tait Hall in Kelso on Saturday 16 June to mark the annual national Veterans’ Day and the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.
Then, in the afternoon of Wednesday 27 June, a poetry event for school children will be held in Kelso Library, to encourage young people to engage with veterans. And, in the evening, the well-known author and oral historian, Max Arthur, will be discussing memories and experiences in the British Legion Club in Kelso.
These events have been organised jointly by Scottish Borders Council and The Royal British Legion Scotland.
On Sunday 17 June, The Royal British Legion Scotland will be holding a service in Dryburgh Abbey, at the graveside of Field Marshal The Earl Haig. This annual memorial service and colourful parade of Legion Standards from across the country commemorates the founding of the Legion by Field Marshal Haig.
Alasdair Hutton, Convener of Scottish Borders Council and renowned commentator of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will host the musical evening on Saturday 16 June. The programme will be headlined by the Jed-Forest Instrumental Band and highlights will include: performances by youth groups and dancers, including Tracey Graham’s well-known dance troupe; young singers including 17-year-old Elizabeth Maclean from St. Boswells who will be playing the accordion as well as singing along to guitar music and 18-year old Caileen Hogg from Darnick who will sing classics from Julie London and Billie Holiday. Megan Bassettt, aged 9, will also be reading her award-winning poem about veterans. A number of Borderers will receive their veterans’ badges from the Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh Ettrick and Lauderdale, Captain The Honourable Gerald Maitland-Carew, during the evening.
The events will be open to the general public, with the exception of the musical evening, which will be by ticket only. Tickets can be obtained either from Kelso Library or from British Legion branches and clubs.
Support is being provided by the Services Personnel and Veterans’ Agency. Voluntary collections will be made at all the events and all proceeds will be donated to PoppyScotland, which funds numerous charities aiding ex-service men and women. Support is also anticipated from local Borders businesses.
Unified Solutions.