LIZ SMITH, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, has written to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) to call for the Union flag to fly on the Forth Road Bridge to mark the centenary anniversary of the First World War.
The MSP has welcomed the various plans already announced to commemorate this historic anniversary, including the support to every secondary school in Scotland to help them carry out educational visits to Western Front battlefields.
Ms Smith argued the Saltire is unveiled, at the request of the Scottish Government, on the likes of St Andrew’s Day and has been flown over the bridge in the past to mark events such as the first Scottish visit of the new Airbus A380. For the centenary anniversary of the First World War the Union Flag would be the most appropriate, according to the MSP.
She said, “2014 is a very important year as we mark the centenary anniversary of the First World War.
“I very much welcome the various plans already announced to commemorate this historic anniversary including the support to every secondary school in Scotland to help them carry out educational visits to Western Front battlefields.
“I believe that a fitting way to mark this would be for Union flag to fly on Forth Road Bridge on 28th July.
“For generations our Armed Forces have served our country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defence. In so doing, they have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values.
“Every Scottish family will have had a family member who has fought for their country in the First World War.
"The men who gave their lives in the Great War will remain heroes forever. The last British Veteran has now died but their bravery and suffering must never be forgotten.
“I have written to Forth Ports and hope they will agree to my call to fly the Union flag on the Forth Road Bridge to mark the centenary anniversary of the First World War.” What's your view? Join the debate by posting a comment below or vote now in our online poll on the homepage.
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