Backing for Somme
commemorations

DUP Group Leader Alderman Carla Lockhart declared the move ‘a victory’ for the DUP grouping on the ABC Council .

At Monday night’s council meeting Alderman Robert Smith and Alderman Lockhart along with the DUP group brought forward a Notice of Motion that will see the setting up of a working group with the members of the Royal British Legions and Somme Associations aimed at the organising of events throughout the area and also the erection of commemorative seating at each of the war memorials throughout the area.

Speaking following the meeting of Council Alderman Lockhart said, “The DUP grouping on the ABC Council remain resolute and committed to remembering in a dignified and respectful way the brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and were injured at the Battle of the Somme in 1916,

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another and these men who did we must never ever forget.

“The working group will look specifically at the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the need to organise and host events that will commemorate, educate and leave a lasting legacy to these great soldiers.”

She went on, “Their stories of bravery and courageousness need preserved for generations to come.

“We also have proposed the erection of a commemorative bench to be erected at all of the war memorials throughout the Borough as a lasting legacy to the fallen.

“There is not a town or village within this area that did not lose a son, a grandson, a father, a friend and to that end we will always remember the sacrifice paid that we might have peace and prosperity.

“I am delighted that the Notice of Motion was passed unanimously.

“I believe this demonstrates a readiness and a political maturity to commemorate no matter what the background or religion of the brave men and their families who sacrificed their lives on the battlefields during the Battle of the Somme, the Great War and the many conflicts that followed.

“These men put on the uniform to fight for Crown and country and it is therefore imperative that we the generation of today stand up and remember.”