Ulster Unionist peers Lord Empey and Lord Rogan have remembered the bravery and sacrifice of the 36th Ulster Division at the Battle of the Somme, during a debate in the House of Lords to mark the approaching centenary of the Battle.
Lord Empey said:
“The scale of the losses is almost inconceivable and unimaginable. But that did not include those who came back from the conflict broken men – and indeed the brave women who served them in the tents and on the battlefields suffered greatly as well from what they had seen.
“Many of the soldiers fighting on those battlefields were from Ireland and came from opposing traditions, For a long time afterwards, and indeed until comparatively recently, the sacrifice of the men who came from the south of Ireland was barely recognised. Something that was a most horrible and divisive issue has gradually become a source of some form of reconciliation.
“Ministers from the Republic of Ireland now come to Belfast City Hall on July 1 to join the rest of us in the commemoration ceremony there. An Irish Prime Minister now attends the Enniskillen memorial on Remembrance Sunday. Recognition is taking place on both sides of the border, and this is a small crumb of comfort that has come from such a dreadful set of circumstances.”
Lord Rogan said:
“In Ulster, the Somme is in our DNA. Thousands and thousands from all nine Ulster counties- including Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan – went to war. Sadly many thousands never returned. Three of my uncles left home to go to the Somme. Only one returned – I am told, a broken man. This was typical of so many Ulster families. It was said that there was not a town, a village or a hamlet that did not suffer with the loss of loved ones.
“In the Republic of Ireland the government are officially remembering and commemorating the Easter rebellion, with the President, Ministers and military personnel attending the ceremonies. At home in Northern Ireland, several events are being orchestrated to remember and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our fellow Ulstermen in the 36th Ulster Division.
“It would be entirely appropriate for our Government to organise an official event or events to do likewise for all who fought and died or suffered.”