At 9am on Wednesday 9 September 2020, East Dunbartonshire Provost Alan Brown and Council employees will observe a nationwide two minute silence to mark 999 Emergency Services Day.
Now in its third year, the national day of tribute is an opportunity to show support for the selfless men and women who work and volunteer in the NHS and emergency services.
And the two minute silence enables the more than 7,500 members of the emergency services who have been killed as a result of their duties, to be remembered and honoured.In previous years, Provost Brown hosted a flag raising ceremony at the Council HQ in Kirkintilloch and was joined by local representatives of Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service.
Due to the pandemic there is no such event this year, however the Emergency Services flag will fly throughout the day as has become the tradition.
Provost Brown said, “This year, rightfully there is a renewed focus on and a renewed appreciation of our NHS colleagues and all keyworkers within the emergency services as the country copes with the challenges of Covid-19.
"On Emergency Services Day 2020, I invite you once again to reflect on the sacrifices that they so often make and to remember those who, in the line of duty sustained injury or lost their lives."
Across the UK, more than 2 million people currently work or volunteer in the NHS and emergency services, including 250,000 first responders. They cover a range of roles including answering emergency calls, dealing with administration, practising medicine, fighting fires, policing the streets and saving lives at sea, on mountains, lowland and in caves.
Volunteers include Special Constables, Retained Firefighters, NHS Community Responders, St John Ambulance, RNLI, Search and Rescue and Coastguard volunteers.
Provost Brown added, "It is my honour and privilege to be a part of this very special day and while this year's activities have been curtailed the sentiment most certainly has not. On behalf of the people of East Dunbartonshire I offer my gratitude, respect and appreciation for our local emergency services today and throughout the year. I am proud to work in partnership with them for the welfare of our communities."
Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook