06/09/2005

Belfast to remember citizens' wartime roles

Belfast is to pay tribute to the contribution made by the city and the experiences of its people during the two World Wars.

The special civic ceremony, ‘Belfast Remembers’, which is to be held at the City Hall on Monday 19th September, will pay tribute, in words and music, to those who left Belfast to fight in the two greatest conflicts of the 20th century – and also those who played their parts back at home.

From the horrors of the Somme to the terror of the Belfast Blitz, the ceremony will recall the sacrifices and experiences of the people of Belfast between 1914 and 1918 and again between 1939 and 1945.

Authors Brian Barton and Philip Orr will read from their work on Belfast in wartime, alongside recitations of poetry, readings from letters written by young soldiers in the mud filled trenches of the First World War and details of the Blitz and evacuation. A programme of music and song will also be put together under the direction of Brian Connor, and compere for the evening Anne Hailes.

“This is an important opportunity for the people of Belfast to come together and remember and reflect upon the impact of the two world wars on the lives of all our people," Councillor Alex Maskey, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, said. "‘Belfast Remembers’ will remind us of the great sacrifices and enormous contribution made by everyone from this city during both world wars."

(MB/SP)

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