This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tribute to old soldiers for D-Day anniversary
03/06/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell today
paid tribute to the Scots who took part in the D-Day
landings, saying that Scotland is proud of them.
The First Minister was speaking after
he met with members of the Normandy Veterans Association
Scotland before they left for France to commemorate the 60
th anniversary of D-Day.
The group of veterans included Jock
Wilson, 100, the oldest survivor of the invasion, who
earlier this week received France's highest award, Legion
d'Honneur.
The First Minister said:
"Sixty years ago, Scottish soldiers
took part in one of the decisive military acts of the
Second World War when they stormed the beaches of Normandy.
They came from all over Scotland, united in a common aim -
to help free Europe from the evils of fascism. They fought
with tremendous courage and they fought with pride.
"Today is a chance for us to remember
the men and women who gave their lives for freedom. It's a
chance for us to pay tribute to those who made it home; and
it's an opportunity for us to say to those brave Scots that
their country will always remember them."
The definition of aNormandyveteran is one who served at any stage between D-Day
on June 6 and August 20.
The
First Ministerhas promised that the Scottish Executive will support
the fundraising efforts of the 51
st Highland Division veterans. They have
commissioned a £20,000 bronze commemorative statue of a 2
nd World War Highland Division piper, which will
be unveiled on June 5 outside Breville, as a permanent
memorial to the men who lost their lives.