Council delegation pay their respects at Somme Commemorations

July 6, 2016

A Council delegation recently travelled to France, to represent the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh at the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme Commemorations.

During the visit, the cross-party delegation attended three Services of Remembrance, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Service at Thiepval, the Northern Ireland Service to the 36th (Ulster) Division at the Ulster Tower on 1st July and the Commemoration Service for the 16th (Irish Division) at Guillemont on the 2nd July, as well as visiting a number of cemeteries to pay their respects to the war dead.

On the evening of 30th June the delegation also attended the Menin Gate ‘Last Post’ Ceremony in Ypres.

Wreaths were laid at all three Services and at the Menin Gate.

Speaking about the 100th Anniversary of The Somme, The Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield said: To be able to represent the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh at such a truly historic occasion is completely humbling.  My visit to the Somme is an experience that will be with me forever and I encourage everyone who has the opportunity to visit this part of France to do so.

“The human cost of World War I is nearly inconceivable if we didn’t know that it was true and it is crucial that we continue to honour the heroism of the seemingly endless brave young men who fought and died at the Somme.  We will never forget you,” he said: