Thousands of Irish soldiers killed in both World Wars will be honoured at a cross-Border commemoration service in Co Louth today.
Ex-service groups from both sides of the Border will stand shoulder to shoulder and pay tribute to the war dead at the only all-Ireland remembrance event on the island.
More than 200 people are expected to attend the interdenominational service at the Cenotaph in Drogheda and recall the sacrifice of thousands who joined the British forces to fight in the First and Second World Wars.
As the last post is sounded and the traditional two-minute silence observed traditional Royal British Legion Poppy wreaths will be laid next to the tricolour wreaths of the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen (ONE).
Joe Lynch, of ONE, said: “It is an honour for us to remember people who fought bravely in two world wars and who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs and their hopes.”
Among the guests invited by Drogheda Mayor Michael O’Dowd will be a party from Whiteabbey Royal British Legion in Co Antrim who helped pioneer the event almost a decade ago.
Royal British Legion Standards will fly as ex British regular army and former UDR soldiers - along with Shankill Road representatives, including Orange Order members - and political figures from across Northern Ireland - mingle with the Irish Ex Servicemen’s Association for the pre-Poppy Day service of remembrance.
The guests will lay wreaths to recall the men from all over the island of Ireland who were killed or wounded in the British army during the 1914-18 war.
PA
