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Minister Humphreys to participate in events in Glasgow & Belfast marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War One
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, will be in Glasgow and Belfast today attending a number of events to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.
Minister Humphreys, who has responsibility for the Decade of Centenaries Commemorative Programme, will participate in the memorial events in Glasgow alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron and Commonwealth representatives. Following the events in Glasgow, Minister Humphreys will then travel to Belfast for a number of commemorative ceremonies, including a Service of Solemn Commemoration which will be held at St Anne's Cathedral. Minister Humphreys will deliver a reading at the service, and will later lay a wreath at City Hall in memory of those Irish Soldiers who gave their lives in World War One.
Speaking in advance of the events, Minister Humphreys said:
“As relations between the people of these islands continue to evolve, it is only right that we come together to remember those people, from across the two islands, who gave their lives in the Great War. Whatever their background, those soldiers each made the same ultimate sacrifice. Bombs and bullets did not discriminate between British or Irish, Catholic or Protestant, Nationalist or Unionist, and they fell side by side in incomprehensible numbers. Their families and loved ones shared a common bond, as they were left to deal with their terrible losses. It is fitting that a century later, people of all shades of political opinion and none, can come together in dignity and respect in memory of those brave men.”
Notes to Editors:
GLASGOW SCHEDULE
10.00 Minister Humphreys attends Service at St. Mungo’s Cathedral, Glasgow
11.30 Minister Humphreys will lay a wreath during a service at the Cenotaph in George’s Square, Glasgow
12.10 Minister Humphreys will attend a civic lunch held at Glasgow City Chambers
BELFAST SCHEDULE
19:00 Minister Humphreys will give a reading at Service in St. Ann’s Cathedral
20:30 Minister Humphreys attends reception at City Hall
22.15 Minister Humphreys will lay a wreath during Vigil ceremony at City Hall