'Belfast Remembers' event marks wartime role

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

The special civic ceremony, ‘Belfast Remembers’ 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 Somme to the 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 mark the event, 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 said. "‘Belfast Remembers’ will remind us of the great sacrifices and enormous contribution made by everyone from this city during both world wars."

During a visit last week to the Somme Heritage Centre, Secretary of State Peter Hain said: "The sacrifice of the men from across Ulster who died during the Battle of the Somme must never be forgotten."

Mr Hain paid tribute to the Somme Association and heard about their work in preserving Thiepval Wood as a permanent reminder to the soldiers who died during the 1916 battle.

He said: “Northern Ireland has a deep-rooted emotional attachment with the Somme. Even today that link remains as strong as ever as men, women and children from across Northern Ireland travel to France to take part in the Somme commemorations.

“The contribution of Ulster men to the army of the Great War was extraordinary – hundreds of thousands volunteered to fight.

“Through the work of organisations like the Somme Association and the Heritage Centre, that contribution and the sacrifice made by so many from across Ulster will never be forgotten.”

(SP)