Since Danny Kinahan’s appointment as Northern Ireland’s first Veterans Commissioner, work has been ongoing to establish the Commissioner’s Office and team which is based at Stormont House in east Belfast. A new crest was designed and produced as part of this activity.
Danny Kinahan said: “When you look at the crest, you see the crossed swords that represent the Army, the anchor that symbolises the Royal Navy and the eagle for the Royal Air Force.
“The crown represents Her Majesty the Queen, who as Sovereign, is Head of the Armed Forces and the shamrock references the Irish Regiments that serve and have served with great honour and distinction across the world in many conflicts. The poppy flower evokes remembrance and the use of green, blue and red reflects the colours of the Royal Irish Regiment.
“It is important that all the elements of the Armed Forces are represented in the crest or ‘brand’ of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office. I am pleased that they all came together so well and in a way where one complements the other.
“The overall effect is very striking in terms of colours and design and it has already been used to good effect on my Twitter account @niveteranscomm and our website www.nivco.co.uk
“In time, we will also ensure it is seen at events and engagements that we attend across Northern Ireland.”