Menu
22/11/2021
First Minister Attends Ulster Tower Centenary Commemoration
First Minister Paul Given has attended a commemoration service to mark 100 years since the inauguration of The Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, France.
He joined a range of dignitaries at the commemoration, including elected representatives, French civil and military authorities, members of the military, veterans' associations, members of the clergy and cultural organisations.
The First Minister said: "I am immensely proud to represent all the people of Northern Ireland at this event. It is impossible not to be moved by what The Ulster Tower represents. It is a historical touchstone, which links the past to the present, as a permanent reminder of a generation lost, but not forgotten.
"It is poignant the tower stands on what was once the front line of the Battle of the Somme, in 1916. Today, the landscape around it still carries visible scars from one of the bloodiest offensives of the First World War."
The 70ft tall monument was first dedicated on 19 November 1921. It was built to memorialise the service and sacrifice of the 36th Ulster Division, who fought both at the Battle of the Somme and throughout the First World War.
Mr Givan added: "The Ulster Tower rightly pays tribute to those from our neighbouring streets and fields who fought, suffered and died together in the Great War.
"It provides us all with an opportunity to honour and commemorate their tenacity, courage and comradeship. More importantly, it keeps alive their spirit of self-sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom."
He joined a range of dignitaries at the commemoration, including elected representatives, French civil and military authorities, members of the military, veterans' associations, members of the clergy and cultural organisations.
The First Minister said: "I am immensely proud to represent all the people of Northern Ireland at this event. It is impossible not to be moved by what The Ulster Tower represents. It is a historical touchstone, which links the past to the present, as a permanent reminder of a generation lost, but not forgotten.
"It is poignant the tower stands on what was once the front line of the Battle of the Somme, in 1916. Today, the landscape around it still carries visible scars from one of the bloodiest offensives of the First World War."
The 70ft tall monument was first dedicated on 19 November 1921. It was built to memorialise the service and sacrifice of the 36th Ulster Division, who fought both at the Battle of the Somme and throughout the First World War.
Mr Givan added: "The Ulster Tower rightly pays tribute to those from our neighbouring streets and fields who fought, suffered and died together in the Great War.
"It provides us all with an opportunity to honour and commemorate their tenacity, courage and comradeship. More importantly, it keeps alive their spirit of self-sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 October 2012
Call For British-Irish WWI Commemoration
A report has called for a joint British-Irish approach to commemorating the First World War. The findings were presented to a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Glasgow. Report author Frank Feighan TD said: "2012 is the first year in a decade which sees a number of very significant anniversaries in Irish and British history.
Call For British-Irish WWI Commemoration
A report has called for a joint British-Irish approach to commemorating the First World War. The findings were presented to a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Glasgow. Report author Frank Feighan TD said: "2012 is the first year in a decade which sees a number of very significant anniversaries in Irish and British history.
19 July 2010
McGuinness Praises WWI Soldiers
British soldiers have been praised by the Stormont Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness. He said yesterday that all Irishmen who served with the British forces during the First World War should be remembered by both communities.
McGuinness Praises WWI Soldiers
British soldiers have been praised by the Stormont Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness. He said yesterday that all Irishmen who served with the British forces during the First World War should be remembered by both communities.
02 April 2009
Book Commemorates WWI Volunteers
A special book commemorating the men and women from Belfast who died in the First World War has been launched. Entitled 'Journey of Remembering: Belfast Book of Honour', the list of names was painstakingly compiled by author Derek Smyth, a retired history teacher and dedicated scholar of that period, creating a poignant book of remembrance.
Book Commemorates WWI Volunteers
A special book commemorating the men and women from Belfast who died in the First World War has been launched. Entitled 'Journey of Remembering: Belfast Book of Honour', the list of names was painstakingly compiled by author Derek Smyth, a retired history teacher and dedicated scholar of that period, creating a poignant book of remembrance.
16 August 2013
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
22 September 2009
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
-
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.
