Tribute paid by Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain to current and former Armed Services personnel
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Tribute has been paid to current and former Armed Services personnel for their service and sacrifice in a Holyrood debate.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain, who was speaking in the debate on Remembrance Commemorations, also paid special mention to the sacrifices made by Ukrainians in the defence of their country against Putin’s illegal invasion.
"When it comes to Remembrance, everyone of our ex-servicemen and women will all have differing views and memories of their time," Mr Mountain said.
"They will have served in different theatres and done very different things.
"But one thing is for sure, all who have served know that when push comes to shove, they can rely on their fellow servicemen and women to always stand shoulder to shoulder with them, never forgetting the shared experiences and the sacrifices they have made in defence of their country’s freedoms.
"Some veterans and their families gathering together on Sunday will remember those who died in the two world wars, others will remember the sacrifices made in more recent conflicts in the Falklands, the Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Each person will be united in silent tribute – pausing, acknowledging and reflecting on all that has been given to secure our future.
"A future that I am afraid is once again under threat. The devastation of war has returned to our continent in the form of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
"So this Remembrance Sunday I will also pay tribute to the Ukrainians who are not only defending their country, but also fighting to protect the security, freedoms and democracy, I believe, of the free world.
"These are the same values that our servicemen and women are prepared to sacrifice everything for too. That’s something we should never forget."
He added: "This Sunday at 11 o’clock, all those who have served and who are currently serving will take the time to pause, to reflect and to remember all those they have served with and all those who are no longer with us.
"We will always acknowledge their sacrifice and their early passing in the service of their country. We should never forget they have given their all for our today."
Mr Mountain served in the British Army from 1980 to 1992 in the Blues & Royals, part of the Household Cavalry, following in the footsteps of his father before him.
His military service took him to Cyprus, Uganda, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain and Egypt.
After leaving the Army in 1992, he continued to serve as a reservist for a further six years.
His son also continued the family tradition, completing his service with the Blues & Royals Regiment this year.
