I recently had the honour of being invited to attend the VE Day Anniversary Concert at the Usher Hall Edinburgh on the 6 May. For years I have not considered myself as a World War 2 Veteran, having had no active Service during the War I felt it was not possible for me to use that title. Recently I was told you have the Medals so you are a Veteran.
So when the day came I was taken by British Legion transport to the Usher Hall where i was met by many sailors of the Royal Navy who were assisting those of us who needed help in mobility. We were taken to a Reception that was being held above the Hall, where I was greeted by many people,and if I wanted to I could have had as much food and drink as I wanted.
When the time came to move to the Theatre our Escorts Wheeled us to our places in my case to a Box overlooking the Stage and I shared this with three other Veterans. The Concert was fantastic there were three bands plus pipers and for two hours we had the pleasure of listening to them. Visual information was provided by means of a large Screen mounted on the Stage. At one point a Standing Ovation was given to the Veterans and this continued for some time.
Finally The British Legion took us home. Happy but tired.