Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alan Barr, has highlighted the need for the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings to be commemorated within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. 

At the recent full council meeting of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Barr tabled the question: ‘Does MEABC intend to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings this June by participating in the national beacon lighting initiative?’  

Councillor Barr explained that the D-Day Landings are being commemorated by a national beacon lighting initiative involving the various regions across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the British Overseas Territories.  This initiative is being led by the national Pageant master Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR.  Indeed, the lighting of these beacons has the support of the Prime Minister and all three of the Armed Services.

Councillor Barr said,

"The 6^th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed.  Operation Overlord saw around 4,000 ships and landing craft set down around 132,500 troops on five Normandy beaches.  Additionally, over 18,000 from the Allied airborne forces were dropped into Normandy in the early hours of D-Day.

"These actions ensured the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.  Therefore, it is important that our generation never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those service personnel as they ensured the freedoms which we enjoy today.  The lighting of beacons will remind us and our children of the heroism of those who have gone before

 "I hope that the Borough will participate in this national initiative to light D-Day beacons.  D-Day is very significant to us as a Borough as the former St. Patrick's Barracks was the Depot of the Royal Ulster Rifles, whose 1st and 2nd Battalions landed in France via the air and by sea respectively.  Additionally, this will sadly most likely be the last ‘big’ D-Day anniversary whereby those who can personally recall it will be alive to witness the commemorations.

"I have asked my party colleagues across every Council to raise this matter in their own chambers to ensure we give this historic event the recognition it deserves.”