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 The First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon, Mr Alex Salmond MSP, MP
Thank you Fiona (Chair, Lancastria Association of Scotland) for those words of introduction.
It is a great honour to be here today: to join with you in this act of remembrance.
Today we are here to remember the tragic sinking of the Lancastria, and the men, women and children who perished on that day in June, 1940.
And to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of the survivors.
Among them, the remarkable Charles Napier – whose extraordinary fortitude and determination saved the life of Walter Hirst that day.
As we remember, we also acknowledge that today, is no ordinary anniversary.
68 years have passed. A lifetime.
And for many survivors, their families, and the families of the victims, it has been a lifetime of waiting for the recognition and understanding which they deserve.
Today, as we honour the men and women of the Lancastria, I am pleased to say, that wait is finally at an end.
As we know, the sinking of the Lancastria was the single largest loss of British lives in World War II – and indeed the greatest maritime disaster in British history, in war or peace.
It has been estimated that over 4000 souls were lost – more than in the Titanic and Lusitania disasters combined.
So let us take the time to reflect. And to remember the individuals who perished that day. Men, women and children. Refugees from the French coastal town of Nazaire. Young men serving their country in the British Expeditionary Force. Ordinary Scottish soldiers. People like us.
The Scottish Government believes that the courage, valour and sacrifice of our men and women – indeed those who have served in any conflict – should be recognised and commemorated.
On Armistice day, each year, we pledge that : “We will remember them”.
And that is a pledge which I am very proud to able to lead you in honouring here today.
For too long, and by too many, the men and women of the Lancastria have been forgotten.
Today, we recognise them. We acknowledge the great suffering and sacrifice those onboard the HMT Lancastria 68 years ago have endured.
Today, the Scottish Government marks that great sacrifice with this commemorative medal.
It is my honour to extend the appreciation, respect and recognition of the Scottish Government to every individual receiving this medal.
And to say, on behalf of a grateful Scottish nation: We will remember.
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