REMEMBRANCE WEEK-END

 

This weekend will see another simple Act of Remembrance at the war memorial at Castledawson in recognition of those men and women from these islands of all faiths and none who served their respective countries the cause of freedom in all quarters of the globe in two world wars and in dozens of conflicts since.  Such ceremonies were first held as an expression of national homage devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives in World War I (1914-1918). After World War II in the early forties the scope of the ceremony was broadened to include the sacrifice incurred in both wars. Again in 1980 it was widened to include the memory of all those who suffered and died in conflict and those who mourn them.

 

Many people in our district still remember their relatives who were killed at the Somme in France or at Gallipoli in Western Turkey or in the Northern Sahara or in Burma and elsewhere. The sadness associated with their valiant sacrifice is all the more valid when year upon year many of the political leaders in this country deliberately ignore their memory at the local cenotaphs.

 

Some years ago I had the privilege of representing Magherafelt District Council at the Act of Remembrance at Thiepval on the Somme. I laid a simple poppy wreath at the Ulster Tower in memory of those young men from the mainly Protestant 36^th (Ulster) Division who fought and died there. One hour later I laid another similar wreath at the memorial outside the church at Guillemont in memory of those mainly Roman Catholic Irish soldiers who fought so effectively in that theatre of battle. I was as proud of the struggle of those men of the 16^th Irish Division as I was of the 36^th Ulster men.

 

Of course many of our parents and grandparents came through the Second World War and it is said that we are still paying our debt to America who came to our aid with food and supplies when we were almost defeated by Hitler’s nazi hordes both on land and sea.

 

I call on all those who have some memory of the conflicts to attend their local Cenotaphs for the short Act of Remembrance at 11 a.m. this Sunday 9^th.    Your attendance will show that this country could be beginning to grow-up and to heal its own wounds whether aggressor or self-inflicted.