Remembrance Sunday: what's important to you

Residents at Craigbank care home in Glasgow have always marked Remembrance Sunday by wearing poppies and watching the televised service.

But now, the story of one resident has inspired Craigbank to make Remembrance Sunday a very special tradition.

Robert’s story

For 22 years, Robert Johnson served with the Royal Highland Fusiliers – the same regiment his father served before him.

After joining at age 17, he was posted in Palestine, Malta and Gibraltar after the Second World War. He made – and lost – many friends.

It was a significant time in Robert’s life, and he often shares his memories of the regiment with visitors, fellow residents and staff.

Inspired by Robert, a group from Craigbank now regularly attends the Remembrance Sunday parade at Glasgow’s cenotaph.

A day to remember

Alongside Craigbank’s other war veterans, Robert has been part of the parade for the past two years.

“They stand down at the front of the parade and right at the centre, and see and hear everything that goes on,” says Craigbank activity co-ordinator Julie Manson.

For Robert, it’s also a chance to see people he served with, and add some photos to his album.

“It was a very emotional day,” said Robert, speaking after he first attended with Craigbank in 2009.

“But it was lovely to speak to people from my old regiment and mark Remembrance Sunday properly.”

In 2010, lunch after the parade – hosted by the Lord Provost in City Chambers – made it an especially memorable day.

Making new connections

Major William Shaw, regimental secretary of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, now stays in touch with Robert.

He particularly makes sure he and Robert have time together at the Remembrance Sunday parade.

Craigbank staff helped connect with Major Shaw when they contacted the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum to learn more about Robert’s military career.

They also forged the link with City Chambers in Glasgow.

“I think it means a lot to the residents who go,” says Julie. “So it’s definitely something we be plan on continuing.”

Staff at Craigbank are equally determined that residents’ connection with Remembrance Sunday isn’t forgotten throughout the year.

Julie’s activities colleagues – Carol Higgins, Amy MacDonald and Patricia McLaggan – made the residents a DVD and photo album of their first Remembrance Sunday parade.

They also put together a scrapbook of photos and memorabilia based on Robert’s military career, as a keepsake for him and his family.

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