It is important for people “on both sides of the Irish border”, to mark the sacrifice of “tens of thousands of young men who died during World War 1", according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman Mark Brotherston. Mark made his comments as commemorations were held to remember the 100th anniversary of the start of hostilities.
“The impact of this global war on countries right across Europe was enormous and, on the island of Ireland, we have every reason to recognise the sacrifice of the fallen and remember the lessons of the conflict”, Mark said. “Almost 50,000 young men, from either side of what became the Irish border, died during World War 1. We remember, in particular, the sacrifices made at the Somme and the contribution of both the 36th Ulster and 16th Irish divisions on the western front, as well as the 10th Division in Gallipoli and elsewhere.”
“It is extremely welcome to see the war commemorated increasingly by all communities and across both the jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. Tomorrow the Secretary of State will attend a ceremony at Glasnevin Cemetery, with the President of the Republic of Ireland and the Duke of Kent.”
“Volunteers across the British Isles joined up in 1914 to prevent domination of the continent of Europe, as well as for reasons which were local and personal. They fought for their friends and colleagues, as well as for their country, the loved ones they’d left at home and sometimes because they had particular political aspirations.”
“This commemoration is one of the most significant dates to fall within a decade of centenary celebrations. It is particularly powerful in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland, because it is a piece of shared history, which spans the whole community. We should all do our best to mark it respectfully, appropriately and with an eye to a bright and hopeful future for our society.”