Veterans mingle in the sunshine.

By Graeme Cleland

HUNDREDS OF armed forces veterans from across the country gathered in Dundee on Saturday for Scotland’s inaugural Veterans’ Day parade.

City Square was bathed in glorious sunshine as the massed pipes, drums and standards went on display to honour the former servicemen and women who marched from Dundee High School to assemble in front of the Caird Hall.

The event—organised by City of Dundee Combined Ex-Services Association and Veterans Scotland—was attended by service personnel from the second world war as well as more recent conflicts such as Korea, the Falklands and the first Gulf War.

Young people from organisations such as the Sea Cadets, Boys’ Brigade, and Scouts also took part.

After Dundee’s Lord Provost John Letford welcomed the veterans and the large crowd gathered to watch the parade to Dundee, president of the Ex-Services’ Association Vic Herd opened proceedings and readings and hymns were lead by clergy such as the Rev Dr John Mantle, Bishop of Brechin, and the Rev Stephen Matthew of the United Free Church.

There followed a laying of the wreath after which Mr Letford, Dundee West Labour MP Jim McGovern and Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram presented commemorative badges to the veterans.

Mr Letford said he was delighted at the way the people of Dundee had responded to the “unique” event.

“Given Dundee’s proud military tradition it was very fitting the first Scottish Veterans’ Day was held here and there has been a fantastic turnout from the people of the city.

“It was brilliant to see so many youngsters here and it was an honour to welcome them all and recognise the experiences and sacrifices of the veterans.”

Mr Ingram said he was delighted with the way the day had gone and that the city was an ideal venue.

“Dundee should be proud that it was the inaugural host—there has been a great turnout,” he said.

“This was a day for the veterans and the very number and range of medals on display here brings home the sacrifices that these men and women made to maintain our freedom.”

After the parade Mr Ingram made a special visit to the home of a Dundee veteran unable to make it to the event because of illness.

Mr Ingram dropped in on Ronald Cameron to hand over a commemorative badge and have a chat with the second world war veteran.

Mr Cameron, who will be 80 next month and now lives in Broughty Ferry, served in the RAF Volunteer Reserve as an airfield construction engineer.

Born and brought up in Dundee, he attended Downfield Primary before going to Morgan Academy. He signed up with the RAF in 1943 and went on to serve in Belgium, Singapore and Malaya.

After the war he joined the Territorial Army as a training officer and served in a number of roles in the forces, including a spell with The Black Watch.

He married his wife Mona in 1957 at St Margaret’s Church in Broughty Ferry and left the forces in 1976 as an honorary lieutenant colonel.

He then went to Strathclyde University and gained a degree in economics and accountancy before becoming a head of department at the old Grove Academy.

Mr Cameron said he was taken by surprise at the minister’s visit, which was arranged by a friend.

He said, “It’s nice to be remembered.

“The experience of the war changed my life but I also found great friendship while serving.

“I’m happy that the government has recognised our efforts because as the years go by it’s easy to forget what people went through in the war.”

Mr Cameron hopes to take part in the Veterans’ Day parade next year, which will be held in a different Scottish city yet to be decided.

The Veterans’ Day celebration was concluded with entertainment provided by a range of local groups including dancers, martial artists and singers entertaining the crowds in the City Square.