In Northern Ireland, many veterans have chosen to keep their service history private, avoiding the potential political prejudice, security risks, and potential disadvantage that can come with publicly acknowledging their veteran status. For years, this has been a lived reality for those who served, particularly in a region where the past can still cast long […]
Read More… Honouring Veterans in Northern Ireland: A Journey Towards Recognition
July 1, 2024, marks the 108th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of World War I’s most harrowing and pivotal conflicts. This sombre occasion offers a moment to reflect on the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the men of the 36th Ulster Division, whose contributions were instrumental during the initial days of this […]
26 Jun 24 Armed Forces Day 2024 at Jordanstown Loughshore Park was a spectacular event, proudly hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This year, the event was headlined by the world-renowned RAF Red Arrows, marking their only display in Northern Ireland for the year. The Red Arrows’ aerial acrobatics left the thousands of visitors […]
Read More… Jordanstown Loughshore Park Hosts Unforgettable Armed Forces Day 2024
In Northern Ireland, a series of regional events took place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, a humbling and poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in our history. These events honored the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the largest air and sea invasion in history, marking the significance of […]
Read More… Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Northern Ireland
The Veterans Commissioner was honoured to attend a special event at Parliament Buildings to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Organised by the Speaker’s Office, in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the event involved George Horner, a 97 year old D-Day veteran from Carrickfergus, passing a lighted beacon to pupils from Forge Integrated […]
Read More… D-Day 80th Anniversary event at Parliament Buildings
17 May 2024 Thursday 16th May heralded the official launch of an Operation Banner exhibition that has been commissioned and developed with the support of the NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office and local veterans. The exhibition launched at Brownlow House in Lurgan, where over 80 invited guests were able to view a number of informative panels […]
Wednesday 8th May 2024 Information Source – ICRIR Website: www.icrir.independent-inquiry.uk The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will provide information to victims, survivors and their families about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injury and promote reconciliation. The Commission was formed in December 2023, with Sir Declan Morgan appointed as Chief Commissioner and Peter Sheridan […]
Read More… The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) Launches
2 May 2024 As the world continues to turn, history often becomes a distant memory, overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the present. Yet, there are moments, individuals, whose stories demand to be remembered, whose sacrifices must be honoured for generations to come. One such individual is Private Eva Martin. The evening of 1 […]
Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee The Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees work within the local community promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and assisting veterans and their dependants to access local services. The Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC), is a Non-Departmental Public Body whose Chairmen and Members are appointed by the Minister for Defence People […]
Read More… Opportunity Alert: VAPC NI Calls for Chairperson Applications
12 April 2024 The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is gearing up to host its second Employment Fair in Belfast, building upon the resounding success of last year’s event. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 16th May, the fair aims to bridge the gap between veterans, ex-military personnel, and service leavers, and prospective employers seeking to […]