Highland MSP Edward Mountain delivers Remembrance Day speech at Holyrood
On Remembrance Day, Edward Mountain MSP, shadow minister for veterans, gave a speech to the Scottish Parliament honouring the sacrifices made by all former and current armed services personnel.
Mr Mountain also encouraged “everyone to visit their local war memorials again and stand together with all those who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in memory of those that did.”
He urged all parties to support the Scottish Conservatives’ plans for an Armed Forces and Veterans Bill, which would enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant into law for devolved public bodies and increase support available to veterans and their families.
“We should never forget that every serviceman and woman who serves our country makes an unconditional offer when they take the oath of allegiance, one perhaps we don’t fully appreciate.
“That oath binds them to defend their Country.
“There is no limit on this oath, either in time or in the actual cost of abiding by it.
“It is all or nothing and if the ultimate sacrifice is required then that is part of the deal, they know that and perhaps we do to."
The MSP went on: “That ultimate sacrifice has been made by so many, there were over a million British soldiers killed in the two world wars and there have been numerous conflicts since which have claimed the lives of this Country’s sons and daughters.
“The price they have paid is also reflected in the price that families have to pay.
“As we sleep safely in our beds, knowing that our servicemen and women are watching out backs, we probably give scant thought for those families who are supporting those who are on the front line.
“For them every telephone call, every strange car that stops outside their home could bring bad news.
“Their lives are not normal, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude as well.
“And if they have to face the loss of their loved ones, we know they will never ever have a normal life as burying one’s son or daughter is not something a parent should have to do.
“But these huge costs are what we have to pay for peace and the protection of our country and our way of life. And it is right we always pause to reflect what is given by others for our today and our tomorrows.”
