The original transcript of a VE Day speech made in George Square by Lord Provost James Welsh is being shared by his family to mark the 75th anniversary commemorations.
David Welsh is the grandson of James, a Scottish Labour Party politician who served as Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1943-45.
Through research over the past decade, retired headteacher David, 81, has compiled a comprehensive life story of his grandfather, also a cinema proprietor, including his years in public office.
The family retain the original copy of the 660-word speech, which was written and signed on Tuesday, 8 May, 1945 and is believed to have been read to the public in George Square the following day, in the midst of three days of civic celebration.
David, of Kelvindale, said: “This is an historic and precious speech which I take great pride in preserving. The original papers remain in excellent condition and the attention to detail is quite something, such as the use of ellipses to show where to pause briefly during the speech.
“The 75th anniversary of VE Day was always going to be a significant milestone in relation to this speech but now that’s even more so the case.
"It is impossible not to read the speech today, a speech about the end of the deadliest conflict in history, and not relate it to our experiences at present.
"In particular, the speech paints a picture of the many heroes of that time – mirroring the debt we today owe to those supporting the country’s efforts against this current, albeit very different, challenge.
“As my grandfather’s thoughts that day were with those who had lost loved ones, so are mine today.
"When we emerge from this current crisis I would echo the words of James Welsh 75 years ago today – ‘Let us use this Freedom and the power that comes with it, for a noble purpose.’”
David plans to publish his life story of James Welsh, 1881-1969, including his VE Day speech later this year.
