Bandon War Memorial Committee
Opening of Peace Park 1998
Wednesday
11th November 1998 marked the 80th Anniversary of the end
of World War 1 and also the official opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park
and Round Tower on Messines Ridge.
The opening was performed by the President of Ireland Mrs. Mary McAlesse
in the presence of the King of the Belgium’s H.R.H. King Albert 11 and H.M.
Queen Elizabeth 11. Present among the distinguished guests on the occasion were
committee members George Duke, Barry Ellis, Andrew Coleman, David Sheehan and
Billy Good with Bandonian Honor Lee in attendance.
The Peace Park not alone commemorates all those from the Island of
Ireland who fought and died in World War 1, it also seeks to use their
tremendous sacrifice as a basis on which to forge a deeper understanding and
respect between the different traditions on this Island.
It is a place of pilgrimage for everyone from this island to visit,
reflect on that terrible time and the sacrifice of those who lost their lives.
This is a message of reconciliation for all. Both Paddy Harte and Glenn Barr are
to be complimented and commended for their efforts.