RENFREW paid tribute to its war dead this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the town’s Plaque of Honour’s original unveiling.
A special re-dedication ceremony took place at the Hirst Street memorial, which bears the names of hundreds of people who died in the two world wars and the Falklands conflict.
Students and staff from Renfrew schools attended the event to pay their respects
Local residents, politicians and soldiers fell silent to honor the fallen, laying wreaths and summer flowers at the monument.
Members of the Renfrew Burgh Band performed at the poignant ceremony
The family of Lance Corporal James Murdoch, who died in the Falklands conflict in 1982 at the age of 25, was also present as his name is the last on the memorial.
This week, Renfrew Community Council hosted a small exhibit at City Hall featuring pictures of the original unveiling of the city’s roll of honor and those named.
Provost Lorraine Cameron laid a wreath
Moira Searle, deputy chairwoman of Renfrew Community Council, told The Gazette: “The ceremony went smoothly and there were many people from the town.
A silent tribute was also given to those whose names are listed on the plaque of honor of the memorial
“This event was about the community remembering the unveiling of the memorial a century ago and the events that have happened over the last 100 years.
“The support we have had in organizing this event from the Rectory and Renfrewshire County Council has been excellent and our local MPs have also been very helpful.
Dr. Iain Findlay, Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, gave a speech
“Also very cooperative was OneRen, who gave us space in the town hall to host our small exhibition.”
At the rededication ceremony, the piper played a poignant lament
To further mark the occasion, Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Dawn submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament welcoming the rededication ceremony.
Ms Dawn said: “I would like to congratulate Renfrew Community Council for all the hard work they have put into organizing this event.
The cadets played their part in honoring the memory of the Renfrew war dead
“It was a very important event for the city and a tribute to those who died during the conflict.
“Renfrew is a tight-knit town and those on the memorial’s honor roll would be well known in their local communities.”
