Falkirk Commemoration 2014

FALKIRK COMMEMORATION 2014


Well folks, the day was typical of a Scottish summer's day with a light rain as we and the rest of the patriots made our way through Falkirk's town centre to the Old Parish Church for the start of the Society's march to the cairn in the town's Callendar Park. Prayers and wreaths were laid at the tomb of John de Graham who fought alongside the great Wallace himself but who tragically fell at Falkirk and is interred within the church grounds. The short march throughout the town was well received by the locals and the rain didn't (couldn't) dampen the mood nor the spirits of the proud patriots led by the pipes and drums of the UPHALL STATION PIPE BAND. Personally, I always have a feeling of satisfaction when marching with the Society of William Wallace knowing that in keeping the history and memory of those who fought and died for Scotland in the hearts and minds of the ordinary Scots who witness our parades, we are installing in them a pride and an identity which otherwise might lay dormant. As we march through the streets, we are always greeted by our fellow Scots whether it be just a smile, a nod of the head, a clenched fist punching the air or a full blown cry of 'Freedom'. It's good to know the 'Lion of Scotland' is most definitely awake and spoiling for a fight! I'm very optimistic for our nations future.

Laying wreaths at the church
As the march entered Callendar Park, the rain had fizzled out although it was never going to be far away. Ken Shirra opened the commemoration with a reading and prayer of welcome to all patriots in attendance and then it was time to raise the Saltire of Scotland. This year myself and my gorgeous Irish colleen, Anne were given the great honour of performing this worthy task which heralded the commemoration sword and flags of Scotland onto the field and commemorative cairn. We heard a fine and entertaining speech by the SOWW's very own Garaidh Stiùbhart on what might have transpired throughout Scottish history had Garaidh been fortunate enough to have been there! A new and refreshing aspect of our nations colourful history. Don't mention spiders though. This was followed by the laying of the wreaths. A very poignant moment as we stood in silence and remembered the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Malcolm the Warrior	Marching through the toon
We were then honoured and humbled to witness a heart felt short speech from Society member, Paul Clark who explained that regrettably, Jean could not be here today but had made it known that one of Duncan's last wishes was that his ashes be scattered 'all over Scotland.' Paul went on to tell us that Irene and Garaidh would now scatter some of Duncan's ashes on the cairn. What followed was one of the most sad yet uplifting moments I can remember at any commemoration as Duncan's ashes were cast upon the Falkirk cairn to join the patriots of Scotland who went on before ...... At some point in the future, the SOWW will be making a pilgrimage to the isle of Iona to fulfil Duncan's wishes that his ashes be scattered on this most sacred of Scotland's isles. A journey we undertake with honour and respect for a man who did so much unselfishly for Scotland and her future.

Proud
Our very own 'Young Lion' Abbey Stewart then delivered her speech and what a delivery it was. A view of the events of 1298 seen through the eyes of Scotland's future, factual, funny and so cleverly constructed.What an asset we've found in this lassie. I particularly laughed out loud at Abbey's theory that the reasons for Wallace scorching the lands between him and the English army was that they (the English) would become tired and hungry, and in Abbey's words, "eventually get bored and go home!" And when I thought about it, she's probably right.

Oor Wullie
The speeches were brought to a fitting close by a Society member and the man who puts so much hard work into organising this commemoration year after year, Gordon Aitken, who paid a fine, fitting tribute to Duncan laced with his own personal memories and anecdotes of a man who quite literally was a 'great Scot' The commemoration ceremony was then brought to a close by a short prayer by Ken who thanked all in attendance and hoped that we all return next year. Alba gu Brath. William Ballantyne

Marching down to the monument

Patriot	Anne & William raise the Saltire

Kate lays the Society wreath

Scattering Duncan's ashes	Ken Shirra welcomes the crowd

Watching proceedings

Wreath laying by the Knights Templar

Familiar faces

Wreath Laying

Charli & Gordon lay a wreath

Abbey delivers a great speech	Gary says a few words

Wallace fans

Paul Clarke says a few words	Gordon's tribute to Duncan Fenton

An orderly crowd

Wha dare meddle wae me

The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959