Armistice day 11th november 1919

Lisburn’s First Armistice Day – 11th November 1919

The cenotaph, Lisburn
The cenotaph, Market Square.

Following King George V’s proclamation, all parts of the empire marked the first anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.  In Lisburn, many gathered at the temporary cenotaph in Market Square, where a short service was held, while others attended services in many of Lisburn’s churches.  At 11am, a bell was rung and the town’s busy market came to a stand still.
As the Lisburn Standard reported:

“all sales and bargaining being immediately suspended, while all pre
sent doffed their hats for two minutes in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.  It was a unique and touching sight.”

In the evening, the Lisburn Silver Band marched to the cenotaph and played a number of hymns.

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