Veterans to be piped up Royal Mile in city's tribute

Published on Friday 6 June 2008 10:45

A PARADE up the Royal Mile will form the centrepiece of Edinburgh's first official celebration of Veterans' Day next month.

It will be led by pipers and drummers from across the country, marking the culmination of a 470-mile tour through Scotland.

They will be joined by representatives of the armed forces and local veterans' associations. Veterans' badges will be presented to former service personnel at a special ceremony.

A marquee in Princes Street Gardens will feature displays and demonstrations, while military bands will host a concert staged at the Ross bandstand.

The Veterans' Day events in Edinburgh will take place on July 26, nearly a month after celebrations in many other parts of the country, because they have been timed to coincide with the end of the Pipers' Trail.

It will see pipers and drummers make a six-week musical journey from Shetland to the Capital as part of the centenary celebrations for the Territorial Army.

The trail begins on June 17, with each mile of the journey being piped by an individual soldier, all the way to the Capital.

The grand final parade will make its way up the Royal Mile at midday on July 26, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the City Chambers.

Veterans' Day on June 27 was launched in 2006 by Gordon Brown – then Chancellor.

He said it would be a national day to honour ex-servicemen and women at annual ceremonies across the UK to help ensure the forces' contribution to Britain was never forgotten.

But there was anger that, despite previous ceremonies to recognise past heroism – such as a wreath-laying at the Castle in 2004 on the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings – there was nothing in the Capital to mark the inaugural Veterans' Day.

Lord Provost George Grubb, who will take a key role in the celebrations, said he was glad Edinburgh was marking the occasion.

He said: "Veterans' Day is very important.

"In the present climate, the services need as much support as possible and we can support them through supporting the veterans.

"There is a feeling the services have been marginalised and yet they are engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq at the behest of the Government."

He said whatever people's views of the conflicts, all agreed on the need to get behind the troops. Councillor Grubb served for ten years in the armed forces – two years in the Army during national service and eight years as a padre in the Royal Air Force. "Public recognition of both the services and the veterans is vital," he said.

Launching the national programme of events for Veterans' Day, Defence Secretary Des Browne said veterans were valued members of Scotland's communities. and younger generations could take inspiration from their courage, strength, bravery, fortitude and spirit.

He said: "They have selflessly risked their lives to serve their country and fight for peace, and for that, deserve our respect and recognition."