1st Shankill Somme Association Commemorates Battle of the Somme Anniversary with Solemn Parade and Services
The 1st Shankill Somme Association led a poignant commemoration event on 1st July 2009, to honour the brave soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of the Somme.
The somber occasion was marked by a series of solemn services and a heartfelt parade that saw local residents, reenactment soldiers, and various Somme Associations coming together to pay their respects.
The day commenced with a poignant service held at the War Memorial Garden on the Woodvale, organized by the 1st Shankill Somme Association.
Under a canopy of solemnity, attendees gathered to observe a moment of silence and reflect upon the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
Representatives from the association spoke movingly, highlighting the significance of remembering the past and honoring the courageous efforts of the soldiers.
Following the service at the War Memorial Garden, the 1st Shankill Somme Association joined the larger memorial parades that converged at the West Belfast Orange Hall on the iconic Shankill Road.
The parade, a stirring display of unity and remembrance, marched proudly down the historic Shankill Road towards the Belfast City Hall’s Cenotaph.
At the Cenotaph, a deeply moving service of Remembrance was held to honour not only the fallen soldiers of the Battle of the Somme but also to pay tribute to the brave men of the 36th Ulster Division.
The haunting notes of pipes echoed through the air as wreaths were laid.
Many Somme Associations from across the region participated in the parade, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
Adding a poignant touch to the commemoration, reenactment soldiers from the First World War marched alongside the associations.
Clad in historically accurate uniforms, they lent an authentic atmosphere to the event, reminding everyone of the gravity of the historical moment being observed.
As the sun began to set, the parade retraced its steps up the Shankill Road, making its way back to the Memorial next to the Rex Bar.
Here, a final service of Remembrance took place to honour the memory of the courageous men from the Greater Shankill area who fought valiantly during the war and in subsequent conflicts.
The day’s events left a lasting impression on all those who participated, underscoring the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the past and honoring those who laid down their lives for a better future.
The 1st Shankill Somme Association’s commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and unity that can arise from the depths of history.
As the parade concluded and participants dispersed, the streets echoed with a sense of reverence and gratitude, serving as a testament to the enduring power of remembrance in bringing communities together.