Veteranâ€™s Day - Saturday 18 October 2008

The inaugural Veteransâ€™ Day parade was held on Saturday 18 October when veterans and their families laid wreaths at Zetland Park war memorial in Grangemouth. Local MP, Michael Connarty was in attendance where he gave the address of welcome and he laid a poppy wreath, representing the UK parliament.

Michael said: "I congratulate the local British Legion in Grangemouth and Falkirk District for organising this special day to allow the people of Falkirk District to honour all of those who have served in the Armed Forces at any time. Just as we honour and remember those in the Armed Forces who fell in action on Remembrance Sunday, so it is important to hold a day such as this to honour all who served our country through the years.

I have had the honour as a Member of Parliament of joining the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme twice and spending 50 days in uniform, out on patrol with our troops in Afghanistan and Kosovo and other operations, sharing their rations and their billets. Just as these postings are difficult today, so the experiences of the all the veterans we honour in this ceremony had their difficulties, which we recognise today.

The truth is that the British Armed Forces; the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Marines are recognised in every country as the Best in the World.

We recognise their excellence and their service today, and I recognise the honour I have in welcoming those who have come from across Scotland to this ceremony in my constituency."