P7 were invited to spend time with the Mayor and other dignitaries to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Sunnylands being the location of the first (and to date only) time a US battalion has been formed outside the United States. In 1942 (my maths isn't wrong, the anniversary was delayed a year) over 300,000 soldiers from America arrived in Northern Ireland to train for the War in Europe. They decided to create a volunteer force and train them on the site that would later become Sunnylands estate.
Over 2000 men volunteered and after very extreme training, 500 were chosen to be the first US Rangers (known as Darcy's Rangers after their commanding officer). They were famous for their bravery and were frontline in many of the battles that ensued on mainland Europe.
30 years ago surviving members arrived and the monument at the entrance to the estate was erected.
Unfortunately, none of the original Rangers are still around, but their surviving family members were there and mingled with our pupils.
The pupils also watched a short clip that commemorated that initial meeting with pupils from Sunnylands 30 years ago.
The pupils enjoyed their day and were great ambassadors for our school.
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