Unfortunately ,as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic it has not been possible for the usual organised Remembrance Services and Parades to take place in Lanarkshire this year. Continue reading →
The Birthday Honours List for 2020 recognises the achievements and service of people across the United Kingdom . Continue reading →
Her Majesty the Queen has issued the following message on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day
“Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, which brought victory for the Allies and finally marked the end of the Second World War. Continue reading →
The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is fast approaching . Continue reading →
SSAFA Lanarkshire – The Armed Forces Charity , a group of volunteers based across the County have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Volunteer led, the organisation provides invaluable assistance and support to our armed forces personnel , veterans and their families . Continue reading →
The Queen’s VE Day 75th anniversary televised address in full
Audio of Big Ben chimes and announcer says: “This is London. His Majesty King George VI”.
King George VI: “Let us remember the men of all the services and the women in all of the services who have laid down their lives.
“We have come to the end of our tribulation and they are not with us at the moment of our rejoicing.”
The Queen: “I speak to you today at the same hour as my father did, exactly 75 years ago.
“His message then was a salute to the men and women at home and abroad who had sacrificed so much in pursuit of what he rightly called a ‘great deliverance’.
“The war had been a total war; it had affected everyone, and no one was immune from its impact.
“Whether it be the men and women called up to serve; families separated from each other; or people asked to take up new roles and skills to support the war effort, all had a part to play.
At the start, the outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain.
“But we kept faith that the cause was right – and this belief, as my father noted in his broadcast, carried us through.
“Never give up, never despair – that was the message of VE Day.
“I vividly remember the jubilant scenes my sister and I witnessed with our parents and Winston Churchill from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.”
“The sense of joy in the crowds who gathered outside and across the country was profound, though while we celebrated the victory in Europe, we knew there would be further sacrifice.
“It was not until August that fighting in the Far East ceased and the war finally ended.
“Many people laid down their lives in that terrible conflict.
“They fought so we could live in peace, at home and abroad.
“They died so we could live as free people in a world of free nations.
“They risked all so our families and neighbourhoods could be safe.”
We should and will remember them.
“As I now reflect on my father’s words and the joyous celebrations, which some of us experienced first-hand, I am thankful for the strength and courage that the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and all our allies displayed.
“The wartime generation knew that the best way to honour those who did not come back from the war, was to ensure that it didn’t happen again.
“The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all.”
“Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish.
“Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps.
“But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.
“And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire.
“I send my warmest good wishes to you all.”
As Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, I would offer a few words of reflection about this notable day, in the lives, and memories, of many people throughout the world, that is VE DAY, the end of the war in Europe 75 years ago. Continue reading →
Royal Garden Party.
An official announcement regarding the Royal Garden Party in Edinburgh on 1st July 2020 is expected shortly . However given that the current restrictions on mass gatherings will be in place for a number of months to come it can be assumed that it will not go ahead and it is envisaged that guests nominated to attend this year’s Garden Party will receive an invitation for next year’s event .
Citizenship Ceremonies.
All Ceremonies are cancelled until further notice.
In light of the Covid-19 crisis which is facing the country it has been decided to suspend all Lieutenancy activities from and including 18th March 2020 for an unspecified period. Continue reading →
Deputy Lieutenant Mr Derrick Hannan DL represented Lanarkshire Lieutenancy on 12 th March at a Citizenship Ceremony in South Lanarkshire HQ. Continue reading →