Council marks Armed Forces Day with flag raising ceremony

June 20, 2022

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Councillor Scott Carson, welcomed guests to Lagan Valley Island this morning for this year’s Flag Raising Ceremony in support of Armed Forces Week. The flag is raised annually at the Civic Headquarters to honour the Armed Forces of the past, present and future.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Mr Eric Rainey, High Sheriff of Co Antrim Mr John Lockett, OBE, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Whitaker, Captain David Lloyd, representatives from Armed Forces organisations, and local MLAs together with the Chief Executive, Aldermen and Councillors from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Addressing guests the Mayor said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our support and reflect on what our veterans have achieved, what our current troops are fighting to achieve and the opportunities that will be offered to future generations of soldiers willing to dedicate their lives to protecting us.

“Lisburn has been home to Thiepval Barracks, the Army Headquarters in Northern Ireland for over 80 years and we are extremely proud of our long established history with the Armed Forces in our city. Service men, women and their families have lived side by side with our residents as neighbours, classmates, colleagues and friends.”

The Mayor invited Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Mr Eric Rainey to raise the Armed Forces Flag, which was followed by two minute silence.

Armed Forces Day takes place this year on Saturday 25 June with celebrations commencing on Monday 20 June when the Armed Forces Day Flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country. The flag is an acknowledgement of the bravery, commitment and achievements of the Armed Forces, and pays a special tribute to those who have been injured or sadly lost their lives in the line of duty.

For further information on Armed Forces Weeks log on to www.armedforcesday.org.uk