Remembrance Sunday Ceremony, Sofia

The commemoration of Remembrance Sunday in Sofia is unique as it is participated jointly in by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France. The cemeteries of the four countries are in close proximity to each other in Sofia's city cemetery. Ireland took part in the ceremony with Charge d'Affaires Patrick Coleman actively participating in the prayers and delivering a short talk at the UK cemetery and laying a wreath at all of the cemeteries.

In his talk, Mr Coleman spoke of the loss of life experienced by Irish soldiers in the British Army in the Balkan campaign during the 1st World War. He also spoke of the contribution made to the Irish state by the Irish Army  since independence and how Irish troops have participated throughout the world since the 1960's in UN led peace keeping missions.

On Monday, 10th of November, Mr Coleman and the British Ambassador to Bulgaria Ms Emma Hopkins participated in a ceremony at the British cemetery in Plovdiv.

Mr Coleman also laid a wreath at the Serbian Memorial Ceremony at Sofia city cemetery on Tuesday, 11th of November.