Anger after 90th anniversary of World War 1 ending goes unnoticed
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Paying their respects to the fallen on the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day on the 11th hour of the 11th month are Ann Bacon, Edmond Leonard, Lynn McCausland, Jimmy Patterson and Mac McIvor.
Five people who went to pay their respects at Memorial Park in Ballymena, on November 11 - the day which marked the 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1 - were angered to find that nothing had been organised by the Council or local branch of the Royal British Legion to mark the occasion.
Spokesman for the group, Jimmy Patterson, said they were "totally disgusted" that nothing had been arranged.
“The Council would have been more interested in sorting out the Christmas Lights switch-on, which took place five days before Remembrance Sunday, than arranging something to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War," fumed Mr. Patterson.
He, along with four others, Ann Bacon, Edmond Leonard, Lynn McCausland, and Mac McIvor, met up at the Memorial Park on Galgorm Road on November 11, at 11am.
“We thought there would be something arranged to mark the very historic occasion. Unfortunately there was nothing. I think it is a disgrace," said Mr. Patterson.
The Guardian contacted Ballymena Council Acting Town Clerk, Mr. Maurice Watterson, to tell him about the people going to Memorial Park hoping for some sort of act of Remembrance - but they had left disappointed as nothing had been planned.
Mr. Watterson said that on Remembrance Sunday (November 9) there was a Church Service and wreath laying at the Memorial Park.
“There was nothing arranged for November 11, but if anyone wishes to write to the Council about this matter it will be taken up and discussed further," he said.
Mr. Watterson said at Ardeevin (the Council headquarters) a two minutes silence was observed by those who wished to partake in the act of remembrance.
The Guardian also contacted Chairman of the Ballymena Branch of the Royal British Legion, David Davidson, seeking his views on the subject.
Mr. Davidson, speaking personally, said it was up to individuals if they wished to attend the Memorial Garden on November 11. "If you wish to pay your respects you can do so at the annual Sunday Remembrance Day Church Service, and at the wreath laying at Memorial Park," said Mr. Davidson.
