Council to be part of 'Thank You' initiative

August 24, 2018

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will fly the Union Flag at its Civic Headquarters in Lisburn for 100 days until Armistice Day in support of The Royal British Legion’s ‘Thank You’ initiative.

This year marks the centenary of the end of the First World War; and on Sunday 11th November many people around the Commonwealth will reflect on the lives that were changed forever in the world’s first truly global war and remember those lives that were lost in battle.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, speaking about the initiative, said: “The Council is very proud of the military history of its area and it will fly the Union Flag for 100 days from 4th August in recognition of the centenary of the end of the First World War.   Annually the Council holds Remembrance Services at its War Memorials in Lisburn & Hillsborough on Remembrance Sunday.  Local communities also arrange services at other war memorials the Council maintains within the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

“This year Remembrance Sunday will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War; and the Council will fly the Union Flag at Lagan Valley Island until dusk on the 11th November.  It is poignant that 100 years on we take the opportunity to acknowledge and remember those who lost their lives, those who played their part on the home front and those who returned home to build a better life for the benefit of future generations.”

Alderman James Tinsley, Chair of the Council’s First World War Working Group, added: “During the First World War 21 million were wounded, 8.5 million were killed and 7.7 million were taken as prisoners of war out of the 65 million men mobilised across Europe during the War.  It is hard to comprehend the scale of this tragedy and this number and does not even include the civilians who were also part of the home front movement or caught in localised battles. 

“All of their lives and those of their families were changed forever by the events of 1914-1918; and as a result of their victory we now live in a better world with rights and freedoms gained for women, nations and workers.  This is why the Council is honoured to have the opportunity to remember them all over this 100 day period.”