Second World War veteran marks Armistice Day

Alec Johnston (96) from Glengormley marked Armistice Day at a commemorative service in the town this morning.

Alec, who served in the Royal Navy during World War Two, took part in a number of operations including in the north Atlantic and Malta.

The event, which was held in Glengormley Methodist Church hall, was attended by local community and political representatives, as well as pupils from Glengormley Integrated Primary School and Glengormley High School.

Speaking after the event, the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr John Scott said: “It is lovely to see a gentleman like Alec coming to commemorate his fallen comrades. It was also great to see so many children from the local schools attending the service and paying tribute to the fallen.”

Cllr Stephen Ross has known Alec and his family for a number of years. The DUP representative said: “Alec served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and we owe him and the men and women like him a massive debt. Some of his family members have followed in his footsteps and currently serve in the Navy.

“It was wonderful to see so many children from Glengormley Integrated and Glengormley High there. I know it was really heartening for Alec to see all of the children there and to know that young people were remembering the sacrifices made by previous generations.”