The 1st Shankill Somme Association paid solemn tribute to the brave soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division and all Irish men who fought and perished during the Battle of the Somme in the poignant annual service of remembrance held at the Shankill War Memorial Garden.
The event, which took place on Saturday, February 20, 2021, witnessed a scaled-down gathering due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, yet the spirit of remembrance burned brighter than ever.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the 1st Shankill Somme Association persisted in their commitment to honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War of 1914-1918.
Rev Colin Duncan led the heartfelt ceremony, guiding attendees through a moving service that paid homage to the historic courage of the 36th Ulster Division and other valiant souls who fought side by side on the battlefields.
The sombre atmosphere was accentuated by the haunting notes of a lament played by a piper, adding a touch of melancholic reverence to the proceedings.
The event was a testament to the unwavering respect and gratitude that the community holds for those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
The attendance was limited this year, with only a few members of the 1st Shankill Somme Association present due to the imperative Covid-19 safety measures.
These measures, while necessary for the health and wellbeing of the community, could not dampen the deep sense of unity and respect that was palpable in the air.
Gary Dobbin, Chairman of the 1st Shankill Somme Association, delivered a poignant speech that underlined the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices made by these gallant soldiers.
As he laid a wreath at the memorial stone, the attendees bowed their heads in a moment of silence, paying tribute to the fallen members of the Somme Association who had passed away in recent years.
In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, this scaled-down yet deeply meaningful service of remembrance served as a reminder that history’s sacrifices must never be forgotten, regardless of the circumstances
The 1st Shankill Somme Association proved that the flame of gratitude and remembrance can never be extinguished, even in the face of adversity.
As the notes of the lament echoed through the garden, they carried with them the echoes of history and the unwavering promise that those who gave their lives will always be remembered.
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