Lord Provost leads Children's First World War Remembrance Service
Wednesday 11 June 2014
The Lord Provost has led a children's service to pay tribute to Glaswegians who died during the First World War.
The service, which was attended by 200 primary school children and their teachers, representing schools from across the city, is part Glasgow's endeavours to raise awareness of the major role it played during the war both at home and on the front line.
The event was held at Glasgow Cathedral to reflect the service at the cathedral on 4 August when Glasgow will hold a Commonwealth commemoration marking the centenary of the start of the war.
Some 200,000 Glasgow men volunteered for the First World War, leaving behind their jobs and loved ones. Of those, 18,000 lost their lives and 34,500 were injured, many seriously.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Sadie Docherty, who is leading the city's centenary remembrance, said: "It is important that Glaswegians of all ages come together to mark, commemorate and remember our city's citizens' contribution to the First World War.
"As Glasgow prepares to become the focal point of the UK and Commonwealth activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war, it is only fitting we engage with our city's young people. That is why we have worked in partnership with Glasgow Cathedral to create this special children's service.
"I am very clear that as our city's new brand emphasises - People Make Glasgow - we must also recognise and remember our past citizens who have helped make Glasgow what it is today.
"This year and for the coming four years we will ensure that the stories of Glaswegians who lived, fought and died in the First World War are collected and that we remember our city's huge contribution to the war effort."
Reverend Laurence Whitley of Glasgow Cathedral, who conducted the service, said: "All credit to the council for initiating the idea of this event. If Remembrance Day is to continue being important for us all then we need our young people to be informed as to how and why it grew out of the Great War. It will also help our youngsters realise why it is such a privilege for the city to be the venue for the Commonwealth Service marking the outbreak of the war on 4August."
During the First World War service, the children saw original footage from 1914, a dramatisation of life during the war by drama pupils from Knightswood Secondary and took part in a sing along of songs from the era.
It is hoped that the event will give everyone involved a clearer understanding of why the coming commemorations are so important.
