Nation 'stands together in silence' to mark Remembrance Sunday - as sacrifice marked in Belfast
Veterans have joined political and civic leaders to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall to mark Remembrance Sunday, an event the deputy first minister said brought the nation together.
Hundreds of people gathered in the Garden of Remembrance and on the streets outside as members of the armed forces and representatives from associated organisations participated in the service to remember those who died in conflict.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly laid wreaths at the Belfast City Hall.
Ms Little Pengelly told the News Letter: “It is always an honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, but in the year we marked the 80th anniversary of the Second World War it is particularly poignant.
“It is an occasion where our nation stands together in silence, in cities towns and villages right across the country.
“It is also something that brings together many different generations, and once again in Belfast it was heartening to see so many younger people who recognise the sacrifice and service of those who have gone before.
“I am also particularly looking forward to honouring those who served in the Asia Pacific during the War at the reception at Windsor Castle on the 11th November as we make 80 years from Victory in Japan.
“The event will be attended by some of the last remaining veterans of that part of the allied campaign. We must always remember the incredible sacrifice and role played by our young men across the globe to secure peace and freedom”.
It was the second time Michelle O’Neill has attended Remembrance Sunday.
Ms O'Neill placed a laurel wreath which bore a card with the words: “Today, as First Minister, I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict.
“Through understanding and respect for our differences, we can build a stronger, more compassionate, and united society."
Ms O'Neill last year became the first senior Sinn Fein figure to take part in such an event in Northern Ireland.
TUV member John Ross made a silent protest against Michelle O'Neill’s attendance at the Belfast City Hall event.
He held a placard which read “there was always an alternative to the republican vile terrorist campaign of murder, destruction and ethnic cleansing”. The party’s representatives laid wreaths in the afternoon, after the main event attended by the first and deputy first ministers.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin attended a service in Enniskillen where he laid a wreath at the town's war memorial.
His wreath read “in remembrance on behalf of the Irish Government”.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn also attended as the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War was also commemorated.
Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong said Remembrance Sunday in Enniskillen is always a solemn and deeply moving occasion.
“As we gathered in quiet reflection, the dignity and respect shown by the people of Fermanagh once again demonstrated the strength of our community’s commitment to remembering those who gave so much.
“For many, this day also carries the weight of memory of the Poppy Day bombing in 1987.
“That atrocity remains etched in our hearts, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families who continue to live with its legacy.
“It was significant to see Taoiseach Micheál Martin in attendance. The continued presence of the Irish Government at Enniskillen is a mark of respect and a powerful symbol of reconciliation.
“It reminds us that remembrance is not only about honouring the past but also about building a future rooted in understanding and peace”, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said.
Saturday marked the 38th anniversary of an IRA bomb explosion before a Remembrance Day service in Enniskillen, which killed 11 people.
Last year, then-taoiseach Simon Harris did not attend the event saying he had taken advice from his “most senior officials” and did not take part because he believed a representative from the Northern Ireland executive would also not be attending.
It has been tradition for the sitting taoiseach to attend the Enniskillen memorial since 2013 when Enda Kenny became the first to do so.