REMEMBRANCE Sunday services were held throughout Inverclyde yesterday to commemorate a century of loss to war.

Tributes were paid to the fallen of the Armed Forces and to everyone killed or injured in conflicts from the First World War, which started in 1914, to the present day.

The main service at Greenock’s Wellpark War Memorial was conducted in sunshine by the Rev Alan Sorensen of Wellpark Mid Kirk, and Rev Don Keane of St Mary’s RC Church, Greenock, before a large number of people of all ages, representing many parts of the community.

Mr Sorensen said it was taking place a hundred years after the beginning of that ‘horrible and awful conflict’.

He said: “We stand in a long line of those who have come to pay tribute, to say thanks and, most of all, to remember.” Mr Sorensen said many people at the service would have been impressed by the display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, with one for every UK and Commonwealth fatality in the First World War.

He said: “They have made such an impression on the landscape of London and the heartscape of our nation.

“From this town, 1,500 young men went and did not return. And were we to plant a poppy around this memorial, surely that sea of red would be equally impressive as it spread out throughout the park.

“We gather to remember, lest we forget. We lay wreaths in honour for those who paid the price, who gave their tomorrows for our today.” Mr Sorensen said the whole community was scarred by the First World War, and that people said something must be done to mark the confict. And that, he noted, is why this community has such an ‘impressive and magnificent’ war memorial.

“But a war memorial is not enough, and that is why you and I are here, so that we might remember the self-sacrifice of those who ventured their lives for us, for our children and their children.

“And what must be done about it, is we must remember and we must pray for peace."

The first wreath was laid by Councillor Gerry Dorrian on behalf of Inverclyde Council.

Wreaths were then laid by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil and Emeline Javierre, Deputy Consul at the French Consulate in Edinburgh.

Further wreaths were placed at the Memorial by the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Prison Service, Inverclyde Navy Club, Ex-Serviceman’s Club, Royal Air Force Association, the Merchant Navy, Salvation Army, Greenock Rotary, St Andrew’s Ambulance Association, Greenock and District Sea Cadet Corps, Inverclyde and District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade, Greenock District Scout Association, 49F Air Training Corps, Greenock Police Athletic and Literary Club, Greenock Golf Club, Greenock Cricket Club , Greenock Wanderers, Apprentice Boys of Derry, Independent Loyal Orange Lodge 102, Lodge Greenock Kilwinning X11, Lodge Greenock St John’s 175 and the British Red Cross.

The Last Post was played by the Stedfast Silver Band and the lament, The Flowers of the Forest, by Pat Clark.

The parade was led by Leapmoor Scout Band of Greenock and Inverclyde Pipe Band.

Greenock Salvation Army Band accompanied the singing of Abide With Me.

Rev Sorensen and Rev Keane then led a service at the Free French Memorial on Greenock’s Lyle Hill, where a small gathering watched wreaths being laid.

The turmoil of war was recalled by Rev Sorensen, who said: “We gather together at one of the most beautiful views in Scotland to remember the unsightly effects of war, and we gather together because others enabled us to do so.

“And, at this Free French Memorial, we remember we are part not just of one nation, but of all humanity where all suffer, but all strive for the highest ideals.” At Gourock War Memorial, Inverclyde Council leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, laid the wreath on behalf of the council. A wreath was also laid by West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan.

The service was conducted by Jack Glenny of Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church.

Wreaths were laid at Port Glasgow War Memorial by Provost Robert Moran and Iain McKenzie MP.

Rev Andrew McLean of St Andrew’s Church conducted the service.

Wreaths were laid by Councillors Keith Brooks, Vaughan Jones and Joe McIlwee at the Broomhill Memorial, by Depute Provost David Wilson at the Toll Boys Memorial on Robert Street in Port Glasgow by Councillor James McColgan at Kilmacolm, by Councillor Innes Nelson at Inverkip and Councillor Ciano Rebecchi at Wemyss Bay.

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