Janice R. Andrews
Scotland’s Renfrewshire Today, in observance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a military care home party in Renfrewshire featured a 98-year-old D-Day veteran as the guest of honor. At the Erskine Home, run by the Erskine Veterans Charity in Bishopton, Albert Lamond joined scores of other veterans in a celebration with a 1940s theme.
At the age of eighteen, Mr. Lamond participated in Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944, while serving in the Navy aboard the HMS Rowley. As HMS Rowley blasted Nazi fortifications, the larger battleship HMS Warspite had to be protected. Colin Lamond, 52, who attended the occasion with his uncle Mr. Lamond, the last living D-Day veteran at the institution, was full of admiration for his uncle’s bravery and modesty.
A tea party with a 16-piece swing band playing Glenn Miller tunes was part of the festivities, and employees dressed in 1940s attire danced with the veterans. In addition, 98-year-old children’s entertainer Glen Michael, a former RAF serviceman who entertained soldiers during World War II, made an appearance at the event, which has been planned since October.
Colin Lamond thought back on his uncle’s service, pointing out that in 1942, Albert started his military career at the age of 17. “That generation didn’t view their wartime experiences and the danger as particularly exceptional – it’s a modest generation,” he stated.
Only in his 60s did Albert Lamond start talking about his experiences during the war; he became even more open after his wife Margaret passed away in his 80s. He has continued to take part in Cenotaph observances over the years, and his memory is still quite good.
With £10 million in yearly donations, the 1916-founded Erskine organization offers a wide range of services to veterans. Ian Cumming, the chief executive, stressed the importance of the D-Day commemoration for all locals, many of whom participated in World War II in various capacities.
This week, Albert Lamond gave a speech on the need of never forgetting the sacrifices made during the Normandy landings. Being one of the few surviving D-Day survivors, I can’t help but think of the people I served with. We must make sure that the next generation understands the actual cost of freedom and is never again blind to the atrocities we endured.”
In addition to honoring Mr. Lamond, today’s event served as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by all those who fought in World War II.
