24/06/2024
Thousands Visit Jordanstown For Armed Forces Day 2024
Thousands attended Jordanstown Loughshore Park to mark Armed Forces Day 2024 as the red arrows and the military parade put on a display.
The event which took place on Saturday 22 June, included a military parade involving over 600 serving military, veterans and cadets, including the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, who entertained the crowds lining the route as the parade made its way from Whiteabbey War Memorial to Jordanstown Loughshore Park.
The Red Arrows captivated spectators with their aerobatic display during their Diamond Season celebrations. Enthusiasts from all over gathered to witness the new nine-aircraft show, showcasing moves that hadn't been performed in decades.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly and Lord-Lieutenant Mr David McCorkell KStJ unveiled a special D-Day plaque paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy campaign.
The carnival atmosphere at Jordanstown Loughshore Park was heightened by a flypast by the RAF Tutor, a gun salute, live music, the Military Village, and family entertainment. Thousands gathered to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024, enjoying the vibrant festivities.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Neil Kelly commented: "It is a great honour for me as Mayor to host this prestigious event in Newtownabbey. I would like to express my appreciation to the military for giving the Council the opportunity to host this event again in our Borough. I would like to thank everyone who attended today, and also thank our stakeholders, staff, and volunteers for making the day such an enjoyable experience."
Senior Naval Officer NI Cdr Rob Milligan MBA FCMI CMgr, said: "What a fantastic day in Newtownabbey at Loughshore Park, where ship’s company from HMS HIBERNIA proudly paraded as part of the tri-service event. I was also delighted to have the Royal Marines Band (Scotland) here to take part in Armed Forces Day this year, as well as giving them the opportunity to attend some other events in the Borough over the weekend."
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Thomas MBE RE stated: "On behalf of 38 (Irish) Brigade I would like to thank the Councillors, the officers and staff of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting what we all believe was a superb Armed Forces Day. Amazing to see so many people attending the event to show their support for the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland and enjoying the equipment the army had on display."
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAFR Air Officer NI said: "It was great to see so many people come along today to show their support to our men and women who make up the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland. The RAF Red Arrows displaying in their diamond season was the highlight of the day and demonstrates, amongst many, the capabilities of the Royal Air Force."
The event which took place on Saturday 22 June, included a military parade involving over 600 serving military, veterans and cadets, including the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, who entertained the crowds lining the route as the parade made its way from Whiteabbey War Memorial to Jordanstown Loughshore Park.
The Red Arrows captivated spectators with their aerobatic display during their Diamond Season celebrations. Enthusiasts from all over gathered to witness the new nine-aircraft show, showcasing moves that hadn't been performed in decades.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly and Lord-Lieutenant Mr David McCorkell KStJ unveiled a special D-Day plaque paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy campaign.
The carnival atmosphere at Jordanstown Loughshore Park was heightened by a flypast by the RAF Tutor, a gun salute, live music, the Military Village, and family entertainment. Thousands gathered to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024, enjoying the vibrant festivities.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Neil Kelly commented: "It is a great honour for me as Mayor to host this prestigious event in Newtownabbey. I would like to express my appreciation to the military for giving the Council the opportunity to host this event again in our Borough. I would like to thank everyone who attended today, and also thank our stakeholders, staff, and volunteers for making the day such an enjoyable experience."
Senior Naval Officer NI Cdr Rob Milligan MBA FCMI CMgr, said: "What a fantastic day in Newtownabbey at Loughshore Park, where ship’s company from HMS HIBERNIA proudly paraded as part of the tri-service event. I was also delighted to have the Royal Marines Band (Scotland) here to take part in Armed Forces Day this year, as well as giving them the opportunity to attend some other events in the Borough over the weekend."
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Thomas MBE RE stated: "On behalf of 38 (Irish) Brigade I would like to thank the Councillors, the officers and staff of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting what we all believe was a superb Armed Forces Day. Amazing to see so many people attending the event to show their support for the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland and enjoying the equipment the army had on display."
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAFR Air Officer NI said: "It was great to see so many people come along today to show their support to our men and women who make up the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland. The RAF Red Arrows displaying in their diamond season was the highlight of the day and demonstrates, amongst many, the capabilities of the Royal Air Force."
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The Ministry of Defence has asked Belfast City Council to fly a flag for a full week to mark Armed Forces Day. But the letter has arrived too late to be discussed by the full council and in the past, there has been no consensus between political parties on whether or not to fly it. Armed Forces Day, now in its fourth year, is on Saturday June 30.
29 June 2009
Parades Honour Forces
A national day to honour the armed services has been held as a protest by republicans led to confrontation with the police in Belfast. That happened as Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, marking the contribution of war heroes past and present.
Parades Honour Forces
A national day to honour the armed services has been held as a protest by republicans led to confrontation with the police in Belfast. That happened as Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, marking the contribution of war heroes past and present.
28 June 2010
Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
Northern Ireland's main parade to mark the second annual Armed Forces Day has been held in Carrickfergus - with another taking place across Belfast Lough in Bangor. More than 300 veteran servicemen paraded in Carrick on Saturday before the Royal Irish dedication parade which included the regimental band and pipes and drums.
Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
Northern Ireland's main parade to mark the second annual Armed Forces Day has been held in Carrickfergus - with another taking place across Belfast Lough in Bangor. More than 300 veteran servicemen paraded in Carrick on Saturday before the Royal Irish dedication parade which included the regimental band and pipes and drums.
17 September 2021
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02 September 2013
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
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