THIS weekend Glasgow will celebrate Armed Forces Day and the city will be able to thank the military for the service they provide.
The occasion will be markedly different from the events hosted in George Square on Remembrance Sunday and on Armistice Day where the mood is solemn and reflecting on the many sacrifices made through the years.
While much of the focus around the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force centres on conflict, the military provides assistance in many circumstances at home and abroad reacting to humanitarian crises and helping people cope with natural disasters.
Men and women from the forces past and present will be taking part in the day and Glasgow is encouraged to show its support for those who put themselves in the front line on our behalf.
The forces, like many other publicly funded organisations have also had to cope with severe budget cuts and reductions in personnel and equipment, but still despite this they prove to be among the best and most efficient in the world.
Armed Forces Day is a time to think about the military's role in the country as a whole and in our communities, to celebrate the dedication, commitment and skills and to thank them for the service at home and abroad.