Council marks Armed Forces Day in Lisburn

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Cllr Nicholas Trimble, welcomed guests to Lagan Valley Island for this year’s Flag Raising Ceremony in support of Armed Forces Week.
Pictured at the council's annual ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag are: (front l-r) Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood; the Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble; David Burns, Chief Executive and Alderman Paul Porter, Corporate Services Committee Chairman; (middle l-r) Commander Neil Meharg and Wing Commander Steve McCleery; (back l-r) Alderman Stephen Martin, Vice-Chair of Corporate Services Committee; Alderman James Tinsley, Armed Forces Champion and Andrew Carlisle, bugler.Pictured at the council's annual ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag are: (front l-r) Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood; the Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble; David Burns, Chief Executive and Alderman Paul Porter, Corporate Services Committee Chairman; (middle l-r) Commander Neil Meharg and Wing Commander Steve McCleery; (back l-r) Alderman Stephen Martin, Vice-Chair of Corporate Services Committee; Alderman James Tinsley, Armed Forces Champion and Andrew Carlisle, bugler.
Pictured at the council's annual ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag are: (front l-r) Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood; the Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble; David Burns, Chief Executive and Alderman Paul Porter, Corporate Services Committee Chairman; (middle l-r) Commander Neil Meharg and Wing Commander Steve McCleery; (back l-r) Alderman Stephen Martin, Vice-Chair of Corporate Services Committee; Alderman James Tinsley, Armed Forces Champion and Andrew Carlisle, bugler.

The ceremony may have been smaller than previous years, but the council was honoured to host a ceremony to recognise Britain’s Armed Forces of the past, present and future.

Attending the ceremony were Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood, Commander Neil Meharg Wing Commander Steve McCleery, Elected Members and Chief Executive, David Burns.

“As we raise the Flag, we do so as a sign of respect and gratitude,” said Mr Trimble. “We are extremely proud of our long established history with the Armed Forces in our city. Lisburn has been home to Thiepval Barracks, the Army Headquarters in Northern Ireland, for over 80 years. Service men, women, and their families have lived side by side with our residents as neighbours, colleagues, classmates, and friends.

The Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble and Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood promote the support for Armed Forces Day 2020 in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.The Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble and Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood promote the support for Armed Forces Day 2020 in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.
The Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble and Lieutenant Colonel Chris Wood promote the support for Armed Forces Day 2020 in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

“By flying the Armed Forces Flag at our civic headquarters, the message to residents and visitors is that Lisburn Castlereagh appreciates the dedication and achievements of all our service personnel, and supports the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community including veterans, service families and cadets. Today is a time to reflect on the service of our military men and women and their families and acknowledge our deepest gratitude to them.”

The Mayor invited Lieutenant Colonel Wood to raise the Armed Forces Flag, which was followed by a two minute silence.

Armed Forces Day takes place on June 27 with virtual events scheduled.

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