SDLP Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle, has praised the innovative work of the ‘History from Headstones’ project after touring WWI and WWII graves in the City Cemetery this week to mark Remembrance Sunday.The tour was organised by the Council’s Good Relations Department in conjunction with Seamus Breslin and Trevor Temple of ‘History from Headstones’.
The tour of the City Cemetery took participants around WWI and WWII graves with the guides providing a brief insight into the lives of the people who fought and died during the wars.
People from both communities in the city died during the world wars. After the tour the group was then provided with some lunch where the discussion continued around shared history.
Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle said: “The visit to the City Cemetery was extremely educational and informative and I feel that these sort of tours are invaluable.
“Innovative projects such as ‘History from Headstones’ play an important part in helping people to appreciate the diversity of our shared heritage.
“It is heartening to know that the work of Seamus Breslin and Trevor Temple is also contributing to better understanding between our communities.”
Pauline O’Neill, Good Relations Officer at Derry & Strabane Council added: “This tour was very poignant in marking Remembrance Sunday.
“It is important to learn about our shared history and the City Cemetery has many stories to be told, it is remarkable to realise that it has been the final resting place for people from our two communities since 1853.
“I therefore hope everyone enjoyed the tour and discovered a new appreciation of our local history.”
If you are interested in taking the walking tour of the City Cemetery please contact Friends of Derry City Cemeteries Historic Headstones Facebook page, or call Seamus Breslin on 07935779498.
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