As part of commemorations to mark the First World War, senior officers and staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will join with councillors, and representatives from local communities in two separate events at Livingston and Tarbert fire stations to mark the sounding of the 30,000th Last Post under the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
The Last Post, reminiscent of the bugle that sounded at the end of each day to announce to allied troops that they could rest, is sounded daily under the gate by the local fire brigade in Ypres. Nowadays, it serves to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War.
When the 30,000th Last Post is sounded by the buglers under the Menin Gate (1800 GMT – 9 July 2015), it is hoped that a moment of silence and contemplation will be held in as many fire stations as possible around the world.
Chief Officer Alasdair Hay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On 9th July 2015 staff from across SFRS will take a moment of silence to remember those who died during WW1 as the 30,000th Last Post is sounded. The first sounding of the Last Post happened on the 1 July 1928 and barring four years during the occupation, it has sounded daily since. Traditionally, the bugle is sounded by members of the local fire brigade and that is why fire services across the world will be taking part in this particular event in support of the efforts of our colleagues in Belgium who have carried out this tribute so diligently over the years to remember fallen comrades.
“For staff at SFRS it will be an opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifices that were made for us as well as remembering all those who served during the war. I am pleased that SFRS staff will be taking part in this commemorative event at our stations to mark this important occasion.”
At both stations, SFRS colleagues and invited guests will hear the sound of the bugle and take a moment of silence to remember the fallen.
Station Manager Martyn Brandrick, Livingston fire station, SFRS, said: “Honouring the last post is a fitting way for us to remember those who sacrificed their lives for us in World War One. This year we are joining in with the national tribute here in West Lothian at Livingston Community Fire Station.
“There is a tremendous sense of camaraderie within the firefighting community and it is fitting that officers and partners from around West Lothian will be supporting this event and welcome members of the local community to share in the experience.”
Watch Manager Aggie Dennis, Tarbert Community Fire Station, SFRS, said: “Here at Tarbert Community Fire Station we wanted to open our doors to the public at the 30,000th Last Post as a tribute to those who lost their lives in WW1, all other conflicts, and also in recognition of the firefighters who have sounded the last post since 1928. It will be an honour to take part in the ceremony this week.”
The ceremony at the Menin Gate will be televised live by the public broadcaster VRT and can also be followed worldwide via www.deredactie.be. Those interested in taking part can register by emailing lastposttribute@west-vlaanderen.be. More information about the background of the Last Post can also be found online at http://www.lastpost.be/en/the-last-post/what-is-the-last-post
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
