The annual Laurentic Commemoration took place at Fort Dunree last weekend to remember the 354 men who died when the ship sank on 25th January1917 at the mouth of Lough Swilly.
The event, organised by the Ulster Canada Initiative with support from Donegal County Council, was attended by over 100 people. They included the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Nancy Smith, the German Ambassador, Cord Meier-Klodt, Nancy Reck, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Dublin, LCol Michel Tousignant – Deputy Army Advisor / Canadian Deputy Defence Attaché to the Republic of Ireland, Commander Dale Turetski, Miltary Policy Adviser and Deputy Naval Adviser attached to the Canadian High Commission London and Donegal native, Lieutenant Tahlia Britton representing Commodore Malone of the Irish Naval Service.
Also attending was a delegation of 25 members of the Canadian Navy Association from various parts of Canada, the Sackville Naval Trust from Halifax Canada, The Crows Nest Officers Club from St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, the Londonderry Royal Navy Association, Inishowen Friends of Messines, and various community groups from Inishowen.
Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth, who has Donegal roots (her grandmother immigrating to Canada from just outside Ballyshannon) said: “I am pleased to return to the beautiful Fort Dunree Laurentic Monument to help honour and remember the 354 men who died on the HMS Laurentic’s sinking including 21 Newfoundlanders.
“We will remember them. Congratulations to the community, Donegal County Council and the Ulster Canada Initiative for continuing their important efforts in holding this annual event.”
German Ambassador to Ireland Cord Meier-Klodt said: “Today, we grieve with all the families who lost loved ones in 1917.
“We share their pain, but even more importantly, we recognise our responsibility for peace and reconciliation both at home and in the wider world – especially in parts where conflict still prevails.”
Don McNeill Chairperson of the Ulster Canada Initiative said: “the success of this initiative is down to the support of the community of Inishowen, they make me proud. ”
He also praised Maya McClenaghan (above) who performed the lament ‘Taimse Im Codladh’ and “stole the hearts” of the Canadians that watched her.
The story of the Laurentic and biographies of the men who lost their lives are preserved on an online memorial at laurenticlegacy.com. The process of compiling and researching the lives of the men is ongoing.
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