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[Kilsally]

Thousands to pay silent tribute to fallen heroes
http://www.newslette...eroes_1_3237402

DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds MP and Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley are joined by Parliamentary colleagues as they laid wreaths on behalf of the Party at the UDR and RUC GC plots at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey

Published on Friday 11 November 2011 08:47

A TWO-minute silence will be held today in Belfast and at cenotaphs across Northern Ireland in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in war.

An Act of Remembrance will also be held today — Armistice Day — at the headquarters of the Orange Order in Belfast.

Grand Master of the Orange Lodge Edward Stevenson will make a speech at the ceremony, which will take place at Schomberg House.

The main remembrance events will, however, be held on Sunday.

In Belfast, the tribute will be led by Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Ruth Patterson and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Secretary of State Owen Paterson are also expected to be in attendance.

As well as the thousands of troops who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars the events will also pay homage to those killed in more recent conflicts such as Afghanistan, including RIR soldiers Ranger David Dalzell, Ranger Aaron McCormick and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee.

Laura Murray, District Secretary of the Royal British Legion in Northern Ireland and the Republic, said the events had grown in stature in recent years.

“It is good to see that more and more people are observing the two-minute silence and becoming involved in remembrance events,” she said.

“Unfortunately the war in Afghanistan has brought home the terrible reality to a new generation.

“This is a more poignant year, being the 11th of the 11th of the year 2011. It is an important time for the whole nation to stand together and pay tribute to those who died in war.”

Meanwhile, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to ensure that the display of the poppy is actively promoted.

During Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons yesterday he said: “This weekend people right across the country will pause to remember, paying tribute to our war dead.

“At cenotaphs across the nation we will pay homage to those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice in conflicts down through the years.

“It is important that whether in shops, schools, churches or on football tops, where there is a desire to display this tribute in an entirely non-partisan way it should not just be allowed but positively promoted.

“The issue has received an increased profile this week because of the desire by the Football Association to display the poppy on the English team’s shirts for the match against Spain.

“The fact that even the German authorities, cited as a reason why it could not happen, are fully in support of the poppy demonstrates the non-contentious nature of the emblem.

“I believe that the Prime Minister can take a lead in this and I welcome the support expressed not just by Mr Cameron today but by members from right across the House of Commons.

“It was particularly appropriate that the Prime Minister mentioned Northern Ireland and the poppy applies to people from right across the community who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

On Remembrance Sunday two special services will be held in Newbuildings Independent Methodist Church near Londonderry. At 11.30am the Act of Remembrance will take place along with the singing of the National Anthem.

Minister Jonathan Campbell will speak on the subject of the Belfast Blitz, this year being the 70th anniversary of that attack.