Council Delegation Marks one hundred and tenth Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

A civic delegation from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, led by The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Brian Higginson, has concluded a go to to the Western Front to mark the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and honour those that served and fell in the course of the First World War.

The delegation, which included elected members Councillors Jessica Bamford, Nicola Parker and Ross McLernon, together with Chief Executive David Burns, took half in a programme of remembrance.

During the go to, the delegation paid tribute at quite a few important memorial websites linked to the Battle of the Somme and the broader First World War. These included Martinsart Cemetery, the place ten males from Hillsborough who misplaced their lives in June 1916 are remembered, in addition to the Thiepval Memorial, the place a wreath was laid by The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Brian Higginson; the Ulster Memorial Tower, the place Councillor Ross McLernon paid tribute on behalf of the council; and the sixteenth (Irish) Division Memorial in Guillemont, the place Councillor Jessica Bamford laid a wreath in remembrance of those that served and fell.

Councillor Nicola Parker additionally laid a wreath on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, the place the delegation attended the Last Post Ceremony in tribute to Commonwealth servicemen who died within the Ypres Salient and don’t have any recognized grave.

The go to additionally included time at Thiepval Wood, the place preserved trenches supplied a strong reminder of the situations endured by troopers on the entrance line, and on the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines, a web site devoted to shared remembrance, reconciliation and peace.

Reflecting on the go to, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Higginson, mentioned: “It was a profound honour to represent the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh at these deeply moving commemorations, particularly in this 110th anniversary year of the Battle of the Somme. The visit was a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice made by so many during the First World War, including men from our own communities who never returned home. As we stood at these memorials, we remembered all those who served and fell with dignity and gratitude. It is important that we continue to pass on their stories to future generations and reflect on the value of peace, reconciliation and shared remembrance.”