Hundreds gather to remember the fallen
By Fiona Nichol
(Story dated: Thursday, November 18, 2004)

Hundreds of people line Broad Street to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday. (Picture: Kenny Pirie)

Chris Muir lays a wreath at the Kirkwall War Memorial on behalf of the county’s TA. (Picture: Kenny Pirie)	Graham Findlay laid a wreath on behalf of the Scouts. (Picture: Kenny Pirie)

Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday to pay tribute to the men and women who have died in both world wars and conflicts during the past 100 years.

Ceremonies were held in Kirkwall, Stromness and throughout the county.

Billy Stanger, of the Salvation Army, playing The Last Post for the 52nd time. (Picture: Kenny Pirie)

In Kirkwall, Graham Findlay laid a wreath on behalf of the Scouts at the war memorial and linking with the past - it was 50 years since his great-grandmother unveiled the World War Two section of the memorial.

Members of the Royal British Legion led the parade, along with representatives from other organisations including the Territorial Army, the Boys’ Brigade, the Girl Guides, the Sea Cadets, as well as all other youth organisations, the fire service and the Kirkwall City pipe band, who are celebrating their 85th anniversary.

Rev Fraser Macnaughton then led a special service held in the St Magnus Cathedral.

Sunday was also a memorable day for 72-year-old trumpeter Billy Stanger.

The Salvation Army bandmaster, of Laverock Road in Kirkwall, performed The Last Post for the 52nd consecutive time this year.

The largest number of pipers ever to take part in the parade, 51, added to the poignancy of the day.

Bryan Taylor, president of the Kirkwall Royal British Legion, said: “It went very well and it was one of the biggest parades we have had.

“It was very good, especially with all of the youth organisations. It was also an excellent service in the cathedral.

“The pipe band was out in strength this year, with the largest number of pipers in the history of the parade, and we are always very thankful to them, they do us proud.

“There was also a lot of people on the street who took part in the service because they made the effort to come out on a rough day and chose to pay tribute along with the veterans.”

Charlie Millar, chairman of the pipe band, said: “It was very busy with spectators, despite the weather. It went very well. The large number of pipers also made a huge difference.”

Flags lowered during the two-minute silence. Left, front row, is Charlie Millar, centre is David Bain and Kenny Bichan is on the right. (Picture: Kenny Pirie)

In Stromness, there was also a good turnout for the parade and service with members of various organisations in the town taking part.

Jim Tait, chairman of the legion in the town, said: “It went very well and we had representatives from the Girl Guides, the BBs, Sea Scouts, fire brigade and lifeboat.

“One of the oldest members of the legion and president, Fred Johnston, lay a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the legion. Reverend Fiona Lillie also gave an excellent service at Stromness Church, which was very fitting for the occasion.”

This was the second time in Stromness’s history that all three of the town’s emergency services had taken part in the official parade.

In Rendall, Kenny Peace, a member of the Stromness Royal British Legion pipe band, laid the wreath.

James Burgon sounds The Last Post at the Stromness Remembrance Sunday service. (Picture: Michael Moar)	Kenny Peace pays his respects as he lays a wreath at the Rendall War Memorial. (Picture: Michael Moar)

The two minutes silence during Stromness parade.