Civic reception for Reserve Forces

The event was to held to acknowledge the sacrifice made by both the forces and their families and was attended by Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie.

Speaking at the event the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg said: “Antrim and Newtownabbey has long had a strong and proud association with service in our Armed Forces.

“Indeed, we are proud to have two reserve units located within our Borough - B Company of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment based at Abbots Croft Army Reserve Centre in Newtownabbey and 502 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Reserves based at Aldergrove Flying Station, outside Antrim.”

Cllr. Hogg said it had been his privilege to visit both of these locations as Mayor on several occasions and to “cement the bonds of friendship and cooperation which council enjoys with our local reserve units”.

“On behalf of the citizens of Antrim and Newtownabbey, I want to say a simple but heartfelt thank you to all of the reservists within our Borough,” Cllr. Hogg said.

He added: “I salute the bravery, sacrifice and commitment of all those who give up their spare time to protect our nation’s security at home and overseas.

“Whether in Afghanistan, Cyprus or Iraq, reservists have played a pivotal role in our military operations. I am very proud that reservists from our Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey have been involved in all of these operations.

“As has been the case throughout history, men and women from Northern Ireland have never shied away from defending our national interests whether at home or abroad.”