As the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, it was an honour to attend the memorial service commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings. This tragic event, which occurred on November 21, 1974 in the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town, claimed the lives of 21 innocent people and left 182 others injured.
This year’s memorial service was again organised by the Birmingham Irish Association (BIA). It held a particularly special significance fifty years on as attendees came together to honour not just the victims but also the lasting impact of that horrific night across the entire Birmingham community.
We were privileged to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh. The tree memorial, a symbol of remembrance and healing, has been a focal point for the annual remembrance and it was heartening to see so many people gathered to pay their respects. The names of all 21 who lost their lives were read out and a rose was placed by the trees
We honour the memory of the victims and their families standing together in solidarity to ensure they are never forgotten.
