Dear Lord Lieutenant,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

 

“There is far, far more that ties us together than separates us”.  

 

These words belong to an Arctic Convoys Veteran and a dear friend of many Russian and Scottish people, my friend, Mr Geoffrey Shelton who sadly passed away a month ago. He was the most outstanding man. His legacy as the legacy of the Arctic Convoys will be indeed remembered in history long after we have gone.

 

That is why I believe that we all feel that the Arctic Convoys Memorial here is not only about war, it is about brotherhood in arms and friendship after the war, it is about a tribute to the endurance of the human spirit, a link of times between us and them. And we should be up to the honour to keep this bloodline alive.

 

Victory Day is a sacred day for every Russian citizen. You can hardly find a Russian family which has not lost a relative in that war. It is no wonder that in my country all the veterans of the Great Patriotic War (as we call the Second World War) enjoy enduring lasting love and respect. We at the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh are doing our utmost to share this lasting admiration and respect with Scottish veterans of the Arctic Convoys.

 

I remember that several years ago a small group of enthusiasts has gathered here braving the weather. How many changes has taken place since that time. Last year the Arctic Convoys veterans were at focus of the thematic festival, a Russian marine cadet vessel from St Petersburg called the West Coast to celebrate this event together with the Scottish cadets, and on top of that both Russian and Scottish veterans met, and it was a splendid reunion. This year Riders branch of the Royal British Legion are helping all of us to make this event special.

 

Those who are not learning the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. That is why it is so important that we are here today, standing shoulder to shoulder to say that their war efforts are not forgotten, that we will continue to work together to make this tragedy never ever happen again.

 

I would like to use this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum Project and all people from the local community who put so much personal effort to build up the Arctic Convoys legacy.

 

Let me conclude with another phrase by Geoff Shelton: “Over the past seventy five years a warm relationship has been established between the Arctic Convoy veterans and our Russian friends that will never be broken and will be remembered in history long after we have gone”.

 

Lest we forget.