The Somme Asssociation is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was formed to educate the public and commemorate, on a cross-community basis, the role played by Irishmen and women in the First World War.
Its mission is to help bring an end to the enmity between peoples on the island of Ireland through commemoration of those who have followed the Irish military tradition in defending their freedom and heritage during the international armed conflict. It also seeks to educate generations in the contribution and sacrifice made to establish international peace and security.
The Association carries out commemorative projects across the region and has a museum, the Somme Heritage Centre, in Newtownards in County Down. The photo above shows the Ulster Memorial Tower within Thiepval Wood (‘home’ in 1916 to the 32nd and 36th Ulster Divisions) that the Association purchased in 2004. Alongside the Memorial, it hopes to excavate some of the trenches used by the Ulster Divisions.
The Somme Association’s website is currently under construction.
Images courtesy Somme Association.