A proud day for local people

Speaking to guests the Mayor of Ballymoney welcomed everyone to the ceremony stating it was a ‘a proud day for local people’.

Cllr Evelyne Robinson said: “I am delighted to be endorsing The 152 (Ulster) Transport Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps of the Territorial Army today in granting this award of the Freedom of the Borough, in acknowledgement and thanks to those who have served and continue to serve their country with great distinction at home and abroad.

“This is the highest honour Council can bestow . It represents a public demonstration of support for our reserve forces who carry out their tasks in demanding conditions and often with great personal sacrifice. I also pay tribute to those members who have lost their lives in the course of duty. Today we remember them.

“It will be a proud day for local people to see the regiment marching through Ballymoney town and to show their gratitude to our reserve forces.”

In response Lieutenant Colonel T A W Burgess RLC said ‘receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Ballymoney was a great honour for the Regiment’. He continued: “The importance of holding a Freedom of a Borough is understood by all members of the military and its significance is felt throughout.

“We hold a unique place within the community of Ballymoney and Northern Ireland and we work hard to improve that relationship in everything that we do. The bond that will now exist between the residents of the Borough and the Regiment will demonstrate unity and trust and identifies to us all that the community, from which many of our soldiers come, supports them.

“I would like to thank the Mayor and the councillors of Ballymoney Borough for this honour that has been bestowed on to 152 (U) Tpt Regt RLC, we are extremely grateful. We all now look forward to building even stronger ties and enhancing our relationship with you and I hope that we can continue to work together for the greater good.”