Livingston MP pays tribute at Westminster Garden of Remembrance
Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton has paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces, dedicating a further stake in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance at Westminster ahead of Remembrance Day.
The garden provides MPs with an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of those who have served their country, with Mr Poynton dedicating a stake in remembrance of fallen service personnel and in recognition of those who continue to serve today.
This year's tribute also carries a particular significance for the Livingston constituency, which has its own important connection to the sacrifices of the Second World War.
At Howden House in Livingston, just after midnight on 25 June 1940, a bomb struck the coach house and stables, killing Maria Fleming and her ten-year-old granddaughter Margaret. They were the first civilians to be killed on the Scottish mainland during the Second World War and the only civilian fatalities caused by wartime bombing in West Lothian.
Their deaths are a reminder that the consequences of war were felt here at home, and that the stories of those affected by conflict are part of the history of our local communities.
Gregor Poynton MP said:
“Remembrance is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the extraordinary courage, service and sacrifice of those who have defended our country and the freedoms we enjoy today.
“I was honoured to once again represent the Livingston constituency at the Constituency Garden of Remembrance in Westminster and dedicate a stake in tribute to all those who have served, those currently serving in our Armed Forces, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Remembrance also has a very real connection to our own communities. Here in Livingston, the story of Howden House reminds us that the impact of the Second World War was felt on our doorstep. Maria Fleming and her ten-year-old granddaughter Margaret lost their lives when a bomb struck Howden in June 1940. They were the first civilians killed on the Scottish mainland during the war.
“As we approach Remembrance Day, it is important that we remember not only the service personnel who gave their lives, but also the civilians and families whose lives were devastated by conflict.
“We owe all those who served, those who never returned, and their families a debt that can never truly be repaid. We must ensure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.”
Gregor Poynton MP will be attending Remembrance Day events across the Livingston constituency on Sunday 8th November to pay his respects to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian service people in the two World Wars and later conflicts.