Service remembers lives lost at the Somme

The branch marked the solemn occasion on Wednesday morning, July 1, at 7.30am - the time the 36th Ulster Brigade went over the top at the start of the battle.

With the Branch Standard on parade, the Act of Remembrance was held and wreaths laid in remembrance of the sacrifice of many local young men from the area who gave their lives, along with those who fought in the battle and went on to help win the war.

In addition to members of the Legion, representatives from Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council were also present for the commemoration at the cenotaph on Church Street.

Wreaths were laid by the Rt Hon Carla Lockhart MP; John Robinson, chairman of the Portadown branch, Robert Brennan of the Portadown club, Doug Beattie MLA, Margaret Tinsley and Lavelle McIlwrath from ABC Council.

Many Somme commemorations across Northern Ireland were scaled back this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A number had only a small group of people in attendance in line with public health guidelines on social distancing.

Meanwhile, several NI councils marked the anniversary with virtual broadcasts on their websites and social media.