Two veterans, one from West Lothian and one from Edinburgh will march in London this weekend in the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph.
The men are supported by Sight Scotland Veterans and are regulars at the Linburn Centre in West Lothian and say this opportunity means more to them than they can put into words.
Ian Baker, 56, from West Lothian, who served in the Royal Air Force, said: “Thanks to Sight Scotland Veterans, I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to march in the Cenotaph Parade in London. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – to stand in honour of the fallen. I’ve lost many good friends and family members in different conflicts, and this is my chance to pay tribute to them. I never imagined I’d get to be part of something like this, especially after losing my sight. It means more to me than I can put into words.
“It means so much to me, because as the old saying goes – for our tomorrows, they gave their todays. I can’t thank these people enough for the sacrifices they made and for the freedoms we have today. Marching in their honour is the least I can do, and I’ll do it with pride. I’m incredibly proud to have this opportunity, and it’s all thanks to Sight Scotland Veterans. It’s such a fantastic charity. I’ll be proud not only to march at the Cenotaph, but to do it alongside others from Sight Scotland Veterans who’ve supported me every step of the way.
“I watch the Remembrance Service every year, and last year I made a point of looking out for the Sight Scotland Veterans group. It’s going to mean so much to be there in person. Whether it’s giving a salute or simply standing in silence, just being in that moment will be incredibly powerful. I’ll probably end up in tears, I’m quite emotional about things like this. I lost my best mate in the RAF, and I’ve lost family members in different conflicts. So yes, going down to the Cenotaph is deeply personal for me.
“I’ve been supported by Sight Scotland Veterans for nearly two years now, and I absolutely love coming to the Linburn Centre, it’s changed my life. I have a medical condition called myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves and muscles throughout the body. Unfortunately, it’s had a big impact on my eyes, and my vision is slowly deteriorating. A friend suggested I get in touch with Sight Scotland Veterans, and I’m so glad I did. From that moment on, everything changed. The support has been incredible
“I come to the Linburn Centre twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, and take part in a range of activities like bracelet making, paracord tying, acoustic shooting, indoor curling, and bowls. These are things I never thought I would do again. Playing bowls here gave me the motivation to join my local bowling club, and I have just finished my first season with them. It has been brilliant meeting new friends. The staff are amazing and nothing is ever too much for them. Honestly, they have saved me. Without this place, I would be stuck at home doing nothing.”
James Alfred Sibbet, 95 from Edinburgh, who was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, says: “To me, Remembrance is about honouring a group of people who dedicated themselves to the safety and wellbeing of their country and everyone in it. These are individuals who made the choice to serve. Those of us who did share a deep sense of connection and understanding. There is a strong feeling of common purpose among us.
“Marching in the Cenotaph Parade is something I have always wanted to do. To finally have that chance, and to do it alongside Sight Scotland Veterans, fills me with immense pride. It is about honouring those we have lost, showing respect for their sacrifice, and sharing that moment with people who truly understand what it means to serve. I never thought I would be able to do something like this, especially after losing my sight. But thanks to Sight Scotland Veterans, I will be there, not just as a spectator, but as someone taking part in something deeply meaningful. I am proud to represent the charity, and even prouder to be part of this moment. I will be wearing my original Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer cap.
“I served an apprenticeship as a toolmaker, so when it came time for national service, I chose to volunteer. That meant I could complete my training first and then serve for two years. I ended up doing just that, and by the time I started, I was 21, along with many others who had also been in training. It created a kind of special group of people, all starting their service at the same age.
“It was around three or four years ago when my sight began to deteriorate, particularly my straight-ahead vision. I had cataract surgery back in 2014, but I now live with age-related macular degeneration. A doctor I was seeing told me about Sight Scotland Veterans and suggested it might be helpful. He asked if I would be interested, and I said yes. He completed the paperwork, and I have been a very happy member ever since and I love coming to the Linburn Centre; the staff are exceptional in their tact and kindness.”
Sight Scotland Veterans, formerly known as Scottish War Blinded, is the sister charity of Sight Scotland. Sight Scotland Veterans provides free support to armed forces veterans affected by sight loss in Scotland to help them regain confidence, restore their independence and make new connections. sightscotlandveterans.org.uk
