Irish army flags to fly at service
Military flags from the Republic will fly alongside those of the Royal British Legion at a forthcoming remembrance ceremony in Londonderry.
Belgian flags will also be carried during a wreath-laying event at the Diamond on November 7.
A week before the official Remembrance Sunday ceremony, representatives of the Connaught Rangers' Association and Royal Dublin Fusiliers' Association will join British Legion counterparts to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War.
The occasion will follow the third Annual Variety Show and Remembrance Service in aid of the Royal British Legion poppy appeal, to be held on November 6 in the Waterside Theatre.
Organiser Glenn Barr has masterminded the building of a peace tower, peace school and a peace village to be constructed by next summer in the Belgian town of Messines, all based on a First World War theme.
And he said civic and military representatives from Belgium would be taking part in the forthcoming events in Derry.
He also revealed that choirs from predominantly Protestant and Catholic schools in Derry would take part in the variety concert.
Mr Barr said: "At the annual variety show, there will be a parade at the theatre including the Connaught Rangers' Association, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers' Association, Irish UN veterans, and Belgian military representatives, as well as local military associations.
"At the concert, as well as the Tullintrain pipe band and Hamilton flute band, there will be St Mary's accordion band from Buncrana, the current all Ireland accordion band champions.
"And a performance of the Harp and Crown will feature a joint choir from St Cecilia's College, Creggan, and Lisneal College, Waterside.
"We are delighted that this is taking on a whole new approach, and that people from all traditions and religions are taking part to remember those who died."
Mr Barr said it is hoped that dignitaries from the Republic would attend the variety show.
Mr Barr has been to the forefront of efforts to persuade the Republic's government to officially recognise the sacrifices of Irish soldiers who fought in the First World War.
Taken from Belfast Telegraph 30-10-04
Military flags from the Republic will fly alongside those of the Royal British Legion at a forthcoming remembrance ceremony in Londonderry.
Belgian flags will also be carried during a wreath-laying event at the Diamond on November 7.
A week before the official Remembrance Sunday ceremony, representatives of the Connaught Rangers' Association and Royal Dublin Fusiliers' Association will join British Legion counterparts to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War.
The occasion will follow the third Annual Variety Show and Remembrance Service in aid of the Royal British Legion poppy appeal, to be held on November 6 in the Waterside Theatre.
Organiser Glenn Barr has masterminded the building of a peace tower, peace school and a peace village to be constructed by next summer in the Belgian town of Messines, all based on a First World War theme.
And he said civic and military representatives from Belgium would be taking part in the forthcoming events in Derry.
He also revealed that choirs from predominantly Protestant and Catholic schools in Derry would take part in the variety concert.
Mr Barr said: "At the annual variety show, there will be a parade at the theatre including the Connaught Rangers' Association, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers' Association, Irish UN veterans, and Belgian military representatives, as well as local military associations.
"At the concert, as well as the Tullintrain pipe band and Hamilton flute band, there will be St Mary's accordion band from Buncrana, the current all Ireland accordion band champions.
"And a performance of the Harp and Crown will feature a joint choir from St Cecilia's College, Creggan, and Lisneal College, Waterside.
"We are delighted that this is taking on a whole new approach, and that people from all traditions and religions are taking part to remember those who died."
Mr Barr said it is hoped that dignitaries from the Republic would attend the variety show.
Mr Barr has been to the forefront of efforts to persuade the Republic's government to officially recognise the sacrifices of Irish soldiers who fought in the First World War.
Taken from Belfast Telegraph 30-10-04
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