Wreath-laying service isheld at Lagan Valley Island

Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, hosted proceedings.

Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie OBE; MLAs; Elected Members of Lisburn City Council, members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association; retired Veterans and others.

Speaking about the ceremony, the Mayor said: “Lisburn City Council is very proud to host this annual ceremony particularly as our very own Major Frank Pantridge served with other brave heroes in Singapore. Wreath-laying at memorial sites is a ritual that occurs around the world and is recognised as a public display to commemorate the dead. At Saturday’s event, we took the time out to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to remember a man who achieved so much throughout his life and contributed enormously to worldwide mobile coronary care.”

The late Professor Pantridge is best known for his invention of the mobile defibrillator which revolutionised the field of cardiology. Through his efforts he ensured that ambulances could bring mobile coronary care to heart attack victims, halving the length of time a victim had to wait to be treated.

The objectives of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association include bringing serving personnel together in comradeship; helping members in need and to remember with pride, respect and gratitude all nationalities who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and for their country.