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01/07/2010
Somme Battle Anniversary Marked
On the very day the bloody battle began in 1916, the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson has been representing the British Government at the annual Somme commemoration in France.
The solemn commemoration at the battlefield is taking place just days after a local ceremony - revived by the locally based Whiteabbey Royal British Legion over a decade ago - saw wreaths laid and the traditional two-minute silence observed at the picturesque setting high above Belfast Lough at the County Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh.
The salute was taken by the Queen's official representative, Joan Christie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, pictured here with John Read, who is the officer commanding the Glengormley Army Cadets - an organisation that enjoys the Lord Lieutenant's personal patronage.
Then, today, in France, the Conservative MP and NIO boss attended commemoration services at Thiepval and Ulster Tower and laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War - thousands of whom came from Irish regiments.
He said: "It is a deeply moving experience to remember the tens of thousands of men who died in this battle for their country and to see the war graves so meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
"Today I have the honour to lay wreaths at the memorials on behalf of the UK; it is with particular admiration that I reflect on the connection the people of Northern Ireland have with the Somme.
"I also admire the dedication of organisations such as the Somme Heritage Centre who work tirelessly to ensure future generations learn about the Battle of the Somme and help ensure that what happened here in 1916 is never forgotten."
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Hugo Swire represented the NIO at the Belfast wreath laying ceremony at the City Hall.
This was one of several events commemorating the thousands of WWI Irish Soldiers from the 36th (Ulster) Division and comrades from the 16th (Irish) Division who died fighting between 1 July and 13 November 1916 in the fateful battle.
See: Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
See: Younger Generation Recall The Somme
(BMcC/GK)
The solemn commemoration at the battlefield is taking place just days after a local ceremony - revived by the locally based Whiteabbey Royal British Legion over a decade ago - saw wreaths laid and the traditional two-minute silence observed at the picturesque setting high above Belfast Lough at the County Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh.
The salute was taken by the Queen's official representative, Joan Christie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, pictured here with John Read, who is the officer commanding the Glengormley Army Cadets - an organisation that enjoys the Lord Lieutenant's personal patronage.
Then, today, in France, the Conservative MP and NIO boss attended commemoration services at Thiepval and Ulster Tower and laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War - thousands of whom came from Irish regiments.
He said: "It is a deeply moving experience to remember the tens of thousands of men who died in this battle for their country and to see the war graves so meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
"Today I have the honour to lay wreaths at the memorials on behalf of the UK; it is with particular admiration that I reflect on the connection the people of Northern Ireland have with the Somme.
"I also admire the dedication of organisations such as the Somme Heritage Centre who work tirelessly to ensure future generations learn about the Battle of the Somme and help ensure that what happened here in 1916 is never forgotten."
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Hugo Swire represented the NIO at the Belfast wreath laying ceremony at the City Hall.
This was one of several events commemorating the thousands of WWI Irish Soldiers from the 36th (Ulster) Division and comrades from the 16th (Irish) Division who died fighting between 1 July and 13 November 1916 in the fateful battle.
See: Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
See: Younger Generation Recall The Somme
(BMcC/GK)
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A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme. The event took place at the Somme Museum and ended with a solemn ceremony.
30 June 2016
Overnight Vigil To Mark Battle Of The Somme To Take Place In Co Down
An overnight vigil is being held in Co Down to mark the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. The event is to be held at the Bangor War Memorial in Ward Park from midnight tonight, 30 June, until 7.30am on 01 July. An act of Remembrance will be held at 7.30am. Other events will also be held throughout the UK.
Overnight Vigil To Mark Battle Of The Somme To Take Place In Co Down
An overnight vigil is being held in Co Down to mark the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. The event is to be held at the Bangor War Memorial in Ward Park from midnight tonight, 30 June, until 7.30am on 01 July. An act of Remembrance will be held at 7.30am. Other events will also be held throughout the UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
