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Background
In the summer of 2004 there were in the region of six Somme Associations in Northern Ireland. There was no linkage between the groups all operated independently but knew of each others existence. There was some exchange of information but that was mainly through individuals rather than at Committee level. It was fragmented but all shared the same purpose to remember those from Ulster who made the ultimate sacrifice on the 1st July 1916.
Remembering
As the 90th Anniversary of the battle was approaching discussions took place between the groups and it was decided to form the Amalgamation of Somme Associations with a view of remembering with pride and dignity the sacrifice of all who died. As a result of this decision extensive planning and preparation was undertaken and up to 1000 men and women travelled from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England and took part at the Last Post ceremony on the 30th June and then held a service at the Ulster Tower on the following day.
On return it was decided that the umbrella group should continue to exist and build on the good work that was undertaken in 2006. One thing that did change was the name and the Amalgamation became known as the 36th Ulster Division Memorial Association. The membership felt that this reflected better the sacrifice of our forefathers during the Great War.
In 2007 representatives of the Association returned to Flanders and took part in the commemorations to remember the battles ninety years ago in and around that area and the unveiling of Memorials dedicated to the Irish Divisions. To conclude our commemoration of the Flanders battles we held a parade and service at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph.
The Way Forward
During the few years since our formation we have established relationships with the following groups: -
It our goal to: -
In the summer of 2004 there were in the region of six Somme Associations in Northern Ireland. There was no linkage between the groups all operated independently but knew of each others existence. There was some exchange of information but that was mainly through individuals rather than at Committee level. It was fragmented but all shared the same purpose to remember those from Ulster who made the ultimate sacrifice on the 1st July 1916.
Remembering
As the 90th Anniversary of the battle was approaching discussions took place between the groups and it was decided to form the Amalgamation of Somme Associations with a view of remembering with pride and dignity the sacrifice of all who died. As a result of this decision extensive planning and preparation was undertaken and up to 1000 men and women travelled from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England and took part at the Last Post ceremony on the 30th June and then held a service at the Ulster Tower on the following day.
On return it was decided that the umbrella group should continue to exist and build on the good work that was undertaken in 2006. One thing that did change was the name and the Amalgamation became known as the 36th Ulster Division Memorial Association. The membership felt that this reflected better the sacrifice of our forefathers during the Great War.
In 2007 representatives of the Association returned to Flanders and took part in the commemorations to remember the battles ninety years ago in and around that area and the unveiling of Memorials dedicated to the Irish Divisions. To conclude our commemoration of the Flanders battles we held a parade and service at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph.
The Way Forward
During the few years since our formation we have established relationships with the following groups: -
- Last Post Association, Ypres, Belgium
- Somme Association, Conlig
- Connaucht Rangers
- Royal Dublin Fusiliers
- Flanders Commemoration Committee
It our goal to: -
- Increase awareness amongst our young
- Facilitate those who wish to visit the battlefields
- Produce literature
- Co-operate with other groups of like mind
- Preserve our history for the future.
