Falkirk community pays its respect on Anzac Day
A community joined others across the globe who were marking Anzac Day at the weekend.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at Bainsford War Memorial in Dawson Park on Saturday as the Australian and New Zealand flags were raised.
Anzac Day is marked annually on April 25 to commemorate all those from Australia and New Zealand who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The day also marks the first major military action found by Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during the First World War at Gallipoli in 1915.
Provost Robert Bissett attended the service in Bainsford and told those present: “When Great Britain declared war on Germany in 1914 following the invasion of Belgium, Australia and New Zealand – then dominions within the British Empire – were also drawn into the conflict.
"At dawn on April 25, 1915, the first of approximately 70,000 Allied soldiers landed at Gallipoli. Their objective was to push through to Istanbul, take Turkey out of the war, and open a supply route to Russia as it fought Germany. Of those 70,000 troops, more than 20,000 were Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
"What was planned as a bold strike became a stalemate when the invading forces failed to reach their objectives on the first day. For the next eight months they held on to the ground they had taken, before eventually withdrawing at the end of 1915.
"After heavy casualties on both sides, the Allied forces were evacuated. It is estimated that 8700 Australians and 2700 New Zealanders were killed. One year later, in 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand, and England, and by troops in Egypt.
"That year, April 25was officially named Anzac Day in Australia. Lest We Forget.”
Rev. David Scott of Grahamston United Church also spoke and led prayers as the Friends of Dawson Park and other members of the community, including Tom McMorrow, the former squadron leader of Grangemouth Air Cadets, took part in the short service.
In London Princess Anne attended a dawn service where she laid a wreath against Wellington Arch during a memorial service and the Princess of Wales ttended a Westminster Abbey serviceafter having placed a wreath at a memorial in Whitehall.