Remembrance Day

Last week, I had the privilege of representing North East Fife in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance, where I placed a cross in honour of Private George Buglass from Cupar - a soldier whose courage and sacrifice remind us why remembrance is so important.

Private Buglass served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots and was killed on 21 December 1941 during the brutal Far East Campaign whilst fighting during the defence and subsequent loss of Hong Kong to the Japanese. For more than 80 years, his name was missing from Cupar’s war memorial despite his bravery. Thanks to the tireless efforts of his family, and former local Councillor Tony Miklinski, his name was finally added four years ago.

It seemed appropriate to also mark the 80^th Anniversary of VJ Day, and the end of the Second World War, with someone who died in that part of the conflict.

Each year, I choose to honour a different North East Fife veteran at the Garden of Remembrance in Parliament. Their service spans both World Wars, as well as more recent conflicts. It’s one of the most meaningful moments in my calendar, an opportunity to ensure that the courage of local servicemen and women is recognised not just at home, but also in the heart of Westminster.

Last Sunday’s services were very wet ones. It reminded me of the Pages of the Sea event in St Andrews in 2018, part of a UK wide tribute to mark the end of the First World War.  This was before my election as MP and I was glad to volunteer on West Sands that day, encouraging members of the public to participate in the sand stencilling supporting the larger planned portrait of Scottish surgeon and suffragist, Elsie Inglis. The national commemoration, led by filmmaker Danny Boyle, invited people across the country to gather on beaches and pay tribute. It was a moving experience that brought our community together to reflect on the human cost of conflict.

I was also honoured to attend remembrance services in Cupar and St Andrews, joining local residents, community groups, and veterans to pay tribute to those who gave their lives, having joined events in Largo and Kennoway last year.

Every year, these acts of remembrance remind us that our freedoms were hard won and must be cherished. We honour the fallen, we support those who serve today, and we ensure that future generations understand the true cost of peace.

We will remember them.