Sad reflection

I was surprised, and saddened, at the lack of any official recognition of the 11th hour, of the 11th day in the precincts of Scotland’s capital city’s civic centre.

Believing the war memorial outside the City Chambers to be the site of any service, I made a point of being there well before the appointed hour. I was the only person present.

Other than erratic clock chimes, there was no indication of 11am. Using my wristwatch I observed the two minutes’ silence. Only one other person on the busy street did so.

To my pleasant surprise, at the end of the silence period, a piper played Flowers of the Forest. I located him at the Tron Kirk – a local resident making his own contribution to honour the fallen.

I accept that many of the pedestrians in the vicinity were visitors, unaware of the significance of the hour; others, forgetful Britons, could be reminded by the firing of the One O’Clock gun to mark the minutes. Surely this could be done.

If we are to avoid letting Remembrance Day fall into abeyance, we must acknowledge it, even if only in a small way, on the actual day, and not defer to a day which suits our collective convenience.

John Carr

North Bridge

Edinburgh