Red hue mooted for Knockagh war memorial

The Lights Out initiative will see the Legion encourage everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, leaving only a single light or candle.

The campaign aims to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One, with the ‘lights out’ period to function as a time of reflection for those taking part.

The matter was raised at Monday night’s meeting of the local authority, with members informed that the Civic Sub-Committee had held several meetings with representatives from the Royal British Legion and Friends of the 36th Ulster Division.

The meetings involved a series of discussions on how the council intended to mark the First World War centenary within the borough.

Members were informed that the Carrickfergus branch of the RBL are to hold a parade and short wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph on August 4.

This would be followed by a further commemoration service on lower Castle Green.

During the meeting earlier this week, councillors also discussed the possibility of lighting up either the Knockagh war memorial or the Marine Gardens clock tower in red to tie in with the Lights Out campaign.

Councillor Andrew Wilson, who recently took part in a Somme memorial service at the Knockagh monument, said: “This is a great initiative and I’m happy to give the recommendation. Red is the colour of the poppy and I think it would be very appropriate.”

Cllr Wilson also suggested that members of the local authority make use of their ceremonial red robes for the occasion.

Meanwhile, Alderman Jim Brown said the response to Armed Forces Day in the town indicated the strong level of support there would be for such a campaign.

“The only reservation I would have is the cost of lighting up the memorial at Knockagh,” he said.