LAST week I watched news reports of the service of dedication of the Bastion Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Prince Harry – himself a veteran of the Afghanistan campaign – unveiled the memorial which includes parts of the original one that stood at the heart of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

It is engraved with the names of the 453 British servicemen and women who died between 2001 and 2014 – including those of Lance Corporal Joseph Pool and Lance Corporal Stephen Monkhouse.

The Prince talked of how the memorial will become a place of pilgrimage and remembrance, just as it was in Camp Bastion where he served on two tours of duty in a 10 year army career.

It is difficult to imagine the emotions of the families directly affected – grief, sorrow, loss and even anger.

What I think is hugely important is that we openly express our gratitude and consolation for the huge sacrifices already made and for the dedication and professionalism shown by our armed forces on a daily basis.

Next week I will be representing Inverclyde at the Armed Forces Service in Paisley Abbey, alongside the Provost of Renfrewshire and the Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Guy Clark.

The day is a chance for us to show our support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community – those who are currently serving, veterans, cadets and their families.

It is an opportunity to recognise their outstanding contribution to the country, both in the present and in the past.

Many serving members risk their lives on a daily basis around the world and I know their morale is significantly improved knowing that back home they have the support of the public and that their families are being cared for.

There has long been a strong local link between our community and the armed forces and that is still as relevant and important as ever.

I hope to see as many people as possible joining us in Paisley Abbey on Saturday 20 June at 10am.

On Monday 22 June I will be officiating at a short service to raise the Armed Forces day flag on Clyde Square in Greenock at 10.30am.

It is also important that we as a council mark special occasions to reaffirm our dedication and commitment to promoting the welfare of the communities we serve.

Armed Forces day – and for that matter the recent Kirkin’ of the Council service at the Wellpark Midkirk – gives us that opportunity.