Family travel from USA for commemoration

Robert Morrow was shocked to learn that he was related to the Rathfriland but was delighted to make the emotional journey to his homeland to honour his long lost relative.

The unveiling of the war memorial, which had been newly engraved with George Morrow’s name, will form part of a parade and service to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

This ceremony will be in the form of a Drum Head Service, organised by the Rathfriland branch of the Royal British Legion, on Saturday September 20 starting at 3pm attended by a number of dignitaries, 100 years after the start of the war.

On the same day it is also intended as part of the dedication ceremony to have a larger commemoration to the sacrifices made in World War One. The commemoration is to be held in the Market Square Rathfriland from 10am until 3pm when the service will start.

The event will be in the form of displays of period military items, field hospital, war horse, weapon stands, storytelling, music, a museum, children’s art and period dress competitions, and much more. The service will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Mr David Lindsay, and the parade will be led by Rathfriland Silver Band and Drumlough Pipe Band.

The Lord Lieutenant will present replicas of Gunner George Morrow’s medals to the Morrow family, so that they can be word during the service and wreaths will be laid at the war memorial by the dignitaries and representatives of the armed forces.

The Act of Remembrance will be led by the Minister of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church, Rev Trevor Boyd. The Morrow family has been members of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church and had all been baptised there.

An evening event will also be held on Saturday, with entertainment including Irish Dancers, Scottish Dancers and a local choir.