Glasgow commemorates First World War

Monday 4 August 2014

On Monday August 4th Glasgow hosted the first of three national events to mark the centenary of Britain's entry into the First World War.

The three First World War events - in Glasgow, Belgium and London - form part of the UK Government's programme of centenary commemorations. They have been built around the themes of remembrance, youth and education.

The Glasgow commemorations began with a special service at Glasgow Cathedral which took a Commonwealth theme to reflect its contribution to the war. Many people from across the Commonwealth had visited the city for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Sadie Docherty and HRH The Duke of Rothesay were in attendance as well as senior politicians from Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth.

This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in George Square. The dais on which the Lord Provost and The Duke of Rothesay took the march past of military personnel and veterans was made by City Building apprentices through a Glasgow First World War project and website aimed at engaging with Glaswegians about the conflict.

The Lord Provost, who led the commemorations in the city, said: "Glasgow is very proud to be playing a major role in the First World War centenary commemorations. Many politicians from across the Commonwealth, who have been in the city for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, have taken up our invitation to stay on for the commemorations.

I hope people will be inspired over the coming four years to learn more about their own family and community's war history. As a mother of a son, I have reflected on the fact that if I lived in Glasgow a 100 years ago I would have been facing the prospect of my child going to war. Glaswegians must have been scared and worried about what it would mean to them and their family. As we now know it was a war that changed our world forever.

And these fears and hopes aren't a historical past, with many parents still facing the same worries for their children in the military services today."