Rathfriland Legion to mark historic events

The Queen’s 90th birthday along with the 100th year commemorations of both the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme are fast approaching as the Rathfriland Legion have their events all mapped out.

First up, on Thursday 21st April, the 90th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrated.

Rathfriland Royal British Legion (RBL) intend to invite 90 children from all the schools in Rathfriland to release 90 multi-coloured balloons.

Each balloon will have a name tag on it with the child’s name and school, with the furthest away winning a prize. Each school will also receive a plaque from the Rathfriland Branch.

The Rathfriland Legion in the bank building in the square will be open from 10am until 2pm for tea, coffee and a browse with the balloon release in between.

On Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June, there will be a small but very important 100th year commemoration of one of, if not the most, important Naval Battle of WW1, the Battle of Jutland.

There will be a wreath laying on Tuesday 31st of May to help remember all those that fought in in the battle which took place in the North Sea off the coast of Denmark.

Then, on Friday 1st July, the 100th year Commemoration of the Battle of the Somme will be honored.

This will be in the form of an all-night candlelight vidual at the War Memorial, which all are invited to join for the whole period or part of the event.

The commemoration will last from 7.15am until 7.45am, including and wreath laying which will include a whistle blow, piper and bugler all followed by breakfast in the Legion room, Bank Building.

The Rathfriland Royal British Legion (RBL) added:

“The Chairman, Officers and members of Rathfriland Branch RBL see this as a great opportunity for everyone, all religions, all faiths and those of non-faith to join with us to remember those especially that paid the ultimate sacrifice, which is one that laid down their life for another.”