Virtual service held to remember Somme fallen

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, DUP.

Normally commemorated on the Sunday closest to July 1, this annual event is marked with a service of remembrance which takes place each year at Knockagh Monument.

Ald Smyth commented; “It is an honour to take part in the virtual commemoration service to pay tribute to the people from across Co Antrim and beyond who sacrificed their lives.

“The First World War was fought for King and Country by local men and boys in the trenches of the Western Front, many of which trained at local camps across Ulster such as at Shane’s Castle in Randalstown or Clandeboye Estate near Bangor.

“It’s important that the spirit of selflessness shown by the soldiers of the Somme is recognised. I hope by delivering this service online we have been able to reach a wider audience and encourage our younger generation to get involved in remembering our fallen.”

The service, which was organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, can now be viewed online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVamKNCxF7M

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.