New plaques will honour the sacrifices

FORRES is set to make a new permanent memorial to mark 100 years since so many local people made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Royal British Legion Scotland has dedicated 2018 to thanking communities throughout the country for giving up their men and women to serve in the First World War of 1914-1918, and the local branch will unveil two new plaques in the town to commemorate their efforts.

Former serviceman and RBLS Forres chairman, Eric Duguid, is organising the event.

He said: “All warring factions sacrifice their people’s lives. Sacrifices are made to end wars and to rebuild damaged communities.

“It is important that we mark these special occasions with something that will remind us of what happened and to do our utmost to stop a similar thing from happening again.

“RBLS Forres branch are presenting, dedicating and unveiling two plaques to the town of Forres and surrounding area to commemorate 100 years of armistice, and to celebrate 100 years of the formation of the Royal Air Force, as without them many a battle would have been lost.”

The granite plaques are being made by Elgin Marble - the inscriptions will be determined by the space on the stone nearer the time.

RBLS Forres is covering the cost.

The Tri service plaque will be unveiled by national RBL president Sir Alistair Irwin and Major General the Honoury president of the local branch, Seymour Monro.

The RAF 100 plaque will be unveiled by Air Commodore Robbie Noel and a representative from RAF Lossiemouth.

Also in attendance will be the Lord Lieutenant and Moray councillors and Tri service Cadets along with standards.

The event will take place at the war memorial on Saturday, October 27, starting at 11am, followed by a reception at the Legion after.

All are welcome to attend.