Glass War Memorial looks particularly impressive this year, having been draped in a cape of crocheted and knitted poppies. These were prepared by approximately 10 members and friends of Glass SWI, in a project that was begun in July. Funding for the wool used came from Cairnie Glass Community Trust. The memorial will be illuminated at night during the period of remembrance between 5pm and 10pm, thank you to Brodie Murray at Standing Ovation for donating his time and equipment for this part of the commemoration.

It will be noted that, among the mainly traditionally-red-coloured poppies, there are also several purple poppies. Purple-coloured poppies are an initiative of the charity Murphy’s Army (https://www.murphysarmy.org/murphy-s-army-purple-poppy-campaign/) and pay tribute to animals lost in war or other public service. This was a campaign launched in 2016. These should not be confused with blue poppies. Blue ‘poppies’ are, in fact, blue cornflowers. The French wear blue cornflowers on Remembrance Day. This symbol is known as the Bleuet de France. These two flowers were chosen as they were the only signs of colour in the mud of the trenches and battlefields of the First World War.

Glass War Memorial is remarkable as it is believed to be one of very few (perhaps only three) such memorials in the United Kingdom which is able to record the fact that all locals who left to serve in World War Two (55 men and women) returned safely.

The Sunday closest to 11th November each year sees today’s locals gather to remember those who lost their lives in the service of our community and country. Each year, everyone hopes that war is something we have left behind us. Regrettably, each year we have to acknowledge that such a time has yet to come and this is particularly and tragically true of 2023.