John Finlay, 66, from Dalkeith, served as a Radio Operator in the Royal Navy from 1974 to 1979, stationed at the HMS Cochrane naval base in Rosyth. Now living with sight loss due to diabetes, John is marking an emotional milestone: 50 years since he first took part in London’s Remembrance Day Cenotaph Parade as a young recruit.
This November, for the first time in half a century, he will proudly march once again, this time with Sight Scotland Veterans, a charity that has supported him and many others in adapting to life with sight loss.
John explains: “Remembrance Day is about honouring those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. So many young people endured unimaginable sacrifices, and it’s our duty to remember them.”
John first marched in the Cenotaph Parade as a 15-year-old boy in 1974, only months after joining the Royal Navy.
“At that age, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of what I was taking part in, I was focused on not making mistakes. I was proud, but I didn’t appreciate the weight of it all. Now, 50 years on, I see it very differently."
During his time in the Navy, John travelled the world, visiting Halifax, Canada; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; New York; Reykjavik; Malmö; Antwerp; Den Helder; and finally returning to Plymouth.
“Taking part in the Cenotaph Parade, especially half a century after I first did so, is something I never thought I’d experience again. I’m incredibly grateful to Sight Scotland Veterans for this opportunity. It’s an honour and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many young people for our freedoms. This isn’t just a march; it’s a way of saying, ‘We remember you. We’ll never forget.'"
“Being shoulder to shoulder with others who have served is a tremendous privilege. It’s a proud, emotional moment, a chance to remember those who gave their lives for our country, and the friends and family we’ve lost along the way.”
Marching with Sight Scotland Veterans holds deep significance for John, as the charity has been a lifeline, helping him rebuild his confidence and forge new connections. He is a regular at the Linburn Centre in West Lothian, where he has built friendships and discovered new passions.
John adds: “Sight loss can be very isolating, especially when you’re also in a wheelchair, like I am. But the charity helps us connect and opens doors to experiences we thought we’d lost, like being able to march at the Cenotaph. I look forward to going to Linburn every week, I’ve made so many new friends and love all the activities. I can’t thank them enough.”
Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans living with significant sight loss. Its support equips people to rediscover and maintain their independence and to improve their quality of life. The Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, is an activity hub for ex-servicemen and women with sight loss, which provides a safe and welcoming space for veterans to re-engage in the local community, rebuild confidence and regain or maintain their independence.
Twenty-two veterans from Sight Scotland Veterans will journey to London to participate in the Cenotaph Parade on 10 November 2024, a highlight of the Remembrance Day commemorations.
For more information on Sight Scotland Veterans please call 0800 035 6409.
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