Congress Delegation to Commemorate World War One Dead in Belgium
9 Nov 2005
A delegation of Irish Trade Unionists representing workers on both sides of the border will lay wreaths and participate in special commemorative services at the Island of Ireland Peace Park, Belgium, on November 10th and 11th
The Congress delegation will participate in special services at the Menin Gate and the Irish Peace Park, to honour the tens of thousands of Irishmen that died in World War One.
Many of the dead were active trade unionists.
The Island of Ireland Peace Park was officially opened by President Mary McAleese, in 1998, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and King Albert of Belgium. The Peace Park was located at Messines because of its links with both the 16th (Irish) Division and the 36th (Ulster) Division, both of whom fought and suffered horrendous casualties at the battle for Messines Ridge, in 1917.
Leading the delegation are Congress President Peter McLoone, General Secretary David Begg and Assistant General Secretary Peter Bunting.
Ahead of the commemorative visit, General Secretary David Begg said: "Tens of thousands of men from across this island fought and died in this needless, bloody conflict. Very many were active members of the Irish Trade Union movement, then very much in its infancy. Their activism and commitment laid the foundations for today's movement. It is right and proper that we come here to honour them."
The special ceremonies will take place over November 10th-12th. They will include the laying of a wreath at the Menin Gate, Ypres and attendance at the 'Last Post' ceremony (Nov 10th), and the laying of a wreath at the Island of Ireland Peace Park, at 11am on November 11th.
Those who enlisted during World War One joined the Irish regiments that were part of the British Army, at that time. Many were from the Dublin and had participated in the 1913 Lockout and, as a result, had been blacklisted by the employers.
The regiments fought in all major campaigns of the war on the Western Front, including Mons, Ypres, the Somme and Messines' Ridge.
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