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As the war clouds darkened over Europe, many of the local young people volunteered
for the great adventure by joining the army. All too soon however the grim reality of the
horrors of war became evident as was witnessed in the Army Hospital Camp based in
Dunmore Park on the edge of the village. But this did not deter more and more from
supporting the "just cause" of the Allies.

The Randalstown Branch of the Royal British Legion was formed in 1925 by the surviving ex-
service personnel from the area.

The Second World War again saw many of Randalstown's young men and women putting their
country and community before all by joining Navy,Army and Air Force.

This service has to be seen as even more selfless when one remembers that conscription was
not extended to Northern Ireland and all service was voluntary.

Over 400 men and women from Randalstown served during the two World Wars and sadly
more than 80 did not return.

It is the proud duty of the Royal British Legion to ensure that the memory of these brave
people is honourably kept and the Randalstown Branch, re-juvenated by an enthusiastic
Secretary, has recently brought a major project to fruition in the shape of our Memorial Garden.
A previously derelict area of ground superbly transformed into a beautifully landscaped area,
with voluntary labour and massive fund-raising, to stand as a testament to Comrades who
stood for the right to self determination without suppression and who risked all for our futures.

With our Branch steadily growing, we can now look to the needs of our Comrades and to
ensure that the care and attention they deserve is obtained because, whereas it is important to
remember past sacrifices, the most pressing duty is towards the quality of life for the living.

We invite anyone visiting the area to stop for a while in the Garden and enjoy a brief respite
from the bustle of modern life but also to bear in mind what it represents and give thanks to the
courageous men and women who gave so much for us.