Members of the 1st Shankill Somme Association paid a solemn tribute to fallen servicemen and women on Remembrance Sunday, November 7, 2020, at the City Cemetery Falls Road in West Belfast.
The association gathered to lay wreaths and Poppy Crosses at the British Commonwealth Graves, honouring the memory of those who gave their lives during both World Wars.
The City Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom hailed from Ireland.
The site contains the final resting places of numerous soldiers who fought under the banner of the British Commonwealth.
Over the years, the cemetery has borne witness to acts of vandalism and sectarian attacks, with graves often becoming targets of hostility from Republican youths.
Among the notable graves is that of Colonel Fred H Crawford CBE, a distinguished figure in British military history.
Colonel Crawford played a crucial role in organizing the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and was a key participant in the historic gun-running operation in Larne and beyond.
His grave serves as a testament to the complex historical interplay that has shaped the region.
![Commemorative Gathering Marks Remembrance Sunday at City Cemetery, Belfast 2020](https://shankillsomme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Commemorative-Gathering-Marks-Remembrance-Sunday-at-City-Cemetery-Belfast-2020-4-360x504.jpg)
Remembrance Sunday, traditionally observed on the closest Sunday to November 11, marks a significant moment for communities to reflect upon the sacrifices made during times of conflict.
The 1st Shankill Somme Association’s presence at the City Cemetery underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who served in the British armed forces, regardless of their origins
As wreaths and Poppy Crosses were carefully placed by association members, the atmosphere was one of reverence and unity.
Despite the differences that have sometimes divided the region, the act of remembering and honouring the fallen has the power to bridge divides and foster understanding.
The City Cemetery’s unique character as a final resting place for soldiers from both World Wars and a range of backgrounds makes it a symbol of shared history.
The sombre occasion of Remembrance Sunday at the cemetery provides an opportunity for individuals to come together and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, reinforcing the importance of remembrance in healing and uniting communities.
![Commemorative Gathering Marks Remembrance Sunday at City Cemetery, Belfast 2020](https://shankillsomme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Commemorative-Gathering-Marks-Remembrance-Sunday-at-City-Cemetery-Belfast-2020-6-750x536.jpg)