Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday began for me with the service at St Joseph's in the West End. I think that the War Memorial outside the church gives a fitting reminder all the time of the sacrifice made by many young people in the West End in the First World War.

In the afternoon I attended the Royal Naval Reserve Remembrance Day Memorial Service on Her Majesty's Frigate Unicorn. The preacher at the service was the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien. Cardinal O'Brien preached eloquently. He mentioned his own family's involvement with the Royal Navy and his father's service on the Arctic Convoys. He spoke on the need to remember those who had given their lives in the service of our country. He also spoke about the development of Christian teaching with regard to war. He spoke about the need to work for justice and peace.

In my previous job at Justice and Peace Scotland I worked closely with Cardinal O'Brien, and I know of his strong commitment to justice and peace.

Overall over the past few weeks it has been good to see so many people recognise the service which veterans have given to our country and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is important to remember those have served. We should continue to support the work of poppyscotland.