Council Holds Flag Lowering Ceremony & Battle's over Beacon Lighting Events

November 9, 2018

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held a Flag Lowering Ceremony this evening to mark 100 years of the Armistice which ended the First World War in 1918.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin led guests in the flag lowering ceremony. The Council’s Chief Executive, Mr David Burns, Aldermen of the Council and Elected Members welcomed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Col Norman Walker OBE and Lt Col Karl Frankland to Lagan Valley Island. The flag was lowered by the Mayor, Cllr Uel Mackin and Mr Raymond Corbett of the Royal British Legion, Lisburn Branch. The Last Post was played by a Bugler and the Piper’s Lament was piped in memory of the Fallen.

A Battle’s Over Beacon Lighting event then took place in Castle Gardens with the Council’s guests, which was open to members of the public. This event saw the lighting of the Beacon as a symbolic light of hope from the darkness of war; and a wish for peace. Churches then rang out church bells including Lisburn Cathedral, Christ Church Lisburn, Ballinderry Parish Church and Ballinderry Moravian Church.

The Council also welcomed the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Stephen Hanna, Military representatives, guests from local schools and churches as well as its Freemen and the High Sheriff for County Antrim, Miss Gillian Bingham. Musical accompaniment was provided by a Bugler.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, said: “On the anniversary of the end of World War 1 we remembered those who died, those who were injured and maimed and thought of the many men and women from all those years ago; all of whom underpinned the war effort. It is an honour to be part of this 100-year history and the Council is pleased to have remembered and reflected on this centenary at the events held today. I would like to say a very big thank you to all our guests, to the Lisburn branch of the Royal British Legion and to those who led our services in word, prayer and music.”

Mr David Burns, the Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Collective and individual tributes have been paid to the fallen in the meaningful events held in Lisburn today. I am sure the hearts and minds of many people across the Lisburn & Castlereagh community and beyond will remember the significance of this Remembrance Sunday.”