FOR some, the connection with the countries which make up the Commonwealth has become weaker since the political masters within the UK decided that the future of the UK was better served by creating stronger political and economic links with the European Union rather than with the Commonwealth.

However, there remain strong emotional and family bonds between many in Canada, Australia and New Zealand in particular.

Those who saw the moving film, Gallipoli, will be conscious of the sacrifices made by volunteers from those countries who served alongside troops from the UK, Ireland and France.

On April 25, representatives from Australia and New Zealand will be joined at Anzac Cove by those from other nations who took part in that fateful landing.They will do so to mark the centenary of that event which, although it proved to be a military failure for the Western Allies, is regarded by many in Australia and New Zealand as a unifying catalyst for those young nations.

It is to be hoped that we will also remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the service of a country far removed from their home shores.

Malcolm Allan,

2 Tofthill Gardens

Bishopbriggs.