Today Erskine fell silent as the charity’s Veterans, staff and visitors remembered all those who gave their lives in service.

At the eleventh hour moving Services of Remembrance were held in all the  charity's four homes.  Some of the wreaths laid were on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Scottish Government, local schools, Erskine Veterans and staff. 

In Bishopton a  wreath was laid on behalf of Cottage Veterans by RHF Veteran Frank Brogan (73). Mr Brogan featured as Wing Commander Mr Henderson in the charity’s remembrance campaign advert. He said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath today and to feature as Mr Henderson in the Erskine Remembrance advert on TV. I am very proud to have served my country and today I remember all those who weren’t as lucky as me, who did not come home”.

In Edinburgh on behalf of Erskine Veterans a wreath was laid by RN and Falklands Veteran Craig McDermott (57) who said: “I am forever grateful for making it through to the other side. I will always be scarred by all that I have seen, but it is for that reason I will always remember those who were not as lucky as me.”

Poignant words and music featured strongly throughout the services. Binyon’s ‘For the Fallen’, followed by ‘The Last Post’ and a two minutes silence, the end of which was heralded by the ‘Reveille’. The haunting sound of the piper’s ‘Flowers of the Forest’ concluded the services.

Erskine Chief Executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming said:  “Every day, for 105 years, Erskine has delivered high-quality nursing care and holistic support, directly to the nation’s Veterans. We know our Veterans very well and conversations with them are always more poignant in the run-up to Armistice Day. This reminds us of the devastating physical and emotional impact that military conflict can have upon those who bravely served and upon their families, who bravely supported them. Erskine will always mark Remembrance, but we truly honour those who fell, by delivering meaningful care and opportunities, to those who returned. Regardless of their age or circumstances, Erskine will strive to deliver the very best possible futures for the brave. We warmly welcome all direct donations in support of our work”

The Futures for the Brave campaign will run across all media throughout November 2021. To view the advert, visit: Futures for the Brave  or https://youtu.be/8LnYjpmNcjQ

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit www.erskine.org.uk/donate or search “Erskine Veterans”.