Member's statement: Somme 110 Charity Walk
Member's statement by Mr Keith Buchanan on .
- MLA
- Mr Keith Buchanan
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 9 June 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Somme 110 Charity Walk
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5601481
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Last Friday, I had the privilege of walking alongside the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, his dedicated team and veterans as they completed a six-day journey: the Somme 110 walk. The final day coincided with the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. It was not simply a walk; it was about remembrance, and it was community spirit at its very best. Over six days, the team travelled 60 miles across all six counties of Northern Ireland, marking 110 years since the Battle of the Somme, one of the most defining and devastating chapters in our shared history. At every step, there was reflection. At every mile, there was purpose. At every stop, there was a sense of unity that reminds us why remembrance still matters so deeply today. The Battle of the Somme is not just a story from the past but one that lives on in families, regiments and the hearts of those who continue to serve. It stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifice, suffering and bravery of those who fell and fought. Those men faced unimaginable conditions so that others might know freedom. Their legacy endures not only on the now silent battlefields but in the hearts of the communities that they left behind. The courage that was shown in 1916 echoes in the courage of our veterans today, men and women who have worn the uniform with honour, dignity and quiet strength. The walk was also about giving back. The team raised vital funds for two outstanding charities: the Somme Association, which works tirelessly to preserve the memory of those who served and fell, and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, which does life-saving work that touches families in every corner of our Province. The efforts of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, his dedicated team and all those who took part remind us that remembering is not something that we just talk or think about. We show it by helping others, giving our time and supporting our community. We will remember them.
333 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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