Today (23 June) Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan led the annual ceremony at Lagan Valley Island to honour the Armed Forces of the past, present and future.
The Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony was attended by Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Kevin Thomas MBE, VR DL, High Sheriff Jenny Lendrum, representatives from Armed Forces organisations, along with Aldermen and Councillors from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
Addressing guests the Mayor said: “It is an honour to host a ceremony to show the young and old of the Armed Forces community that we support and respect them and owe them a gratitude. Together we can reflect on what our veterans have achieved, what our current troops are fighting to achieve and the opportunities that will be offered to future generations of soldiers willing to dedicate their lives to protecting us.
“Lisburn has been home to Thiepval Barracks, the Army Headquarters in Northern Ireland for over 85 years and we are extremely proud of our long established history with the Armed Forces in our city. Service men, women and their families have lived side by side with our residents as neighbours, classmates, colleagues and friends.”
Mayor Grehan invited His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant, Kevin Thomas to raise the Armed Forces Flag, which was followed by two minute silence.
The Armed Forces Day Flag is an acknowledgement of the bravery, commitment and achievements of the Armed Forces, and pays a special tribute to those who have been injured or sadly lost their lives in the line of duty. It is being flown at buildings and famous landmarks around the country
For further information on Armed Forces Week log on to www.armedforcesday.org.uk