Somme Service of Remembrance

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth was honoured to take part in the annual Somme Service of Remembrance, which this year was celebrated virtually as a result of Covid-19.
 
Normally commemorated on the Sunday closest to 1 July, this annual event is marked with a service of remembrance which takes place each year at Knockagh Monument.
 
Alderman Smyth commented;

“It is an honour to take part in today’s virtual commemoration service to pay tribute to the people from across County Antrim and beyond who sacrificed their lives. The First World War was fought for King and Country by local men and boys in the trenches of the Western Front, many of which trained at local camps across Ulster such as at Shane’s Castle in Randalstown or Clandeboye Estate near Bangor.”

“It’s important that the spirit of selflessness shown by the soldiers of the Somme is recognised. I hope by delivering this service online we have been able to reach a wider audience and encourage our younger generation to get involved in remembering our fallen.”

The service was organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. To view the service click here