VE Day marked in Coleraine and Dervock

With this year’s VE Day anniversary not receiving the same fanfare as last year’s 75th milestone, a Northern Ireland councillor has said it is important that we never forget the ultimate sacrifice.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th May 2021, 17:57 BST
Alison Millar Lord Lt Co Londonderry lays a wreath in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley MultimediaAlison Millar Lord Lt Co Londonderry lays a wreath in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
Alison Millar Lord Lt Co Londonderry lays a wreath in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Although several socially distanced wreath laying ceremonies took place across Northern Ireland few were publicised, with the News Letter only being made aware of events in Coleraine town centre and Dervock war memorial.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens who took part in both of those ceremonies said: “Obviously the 75th was significant, but every year should be remembered.

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“I wasn’t Mayor for the 75th but it was also under socially distanced regulations.

Thomas Stirling and Keith Chare from Coleraine RBL in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley MultimediaThomas Stirling and Keith Chare from Coleraine RBL in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
Thomas Stirling and Keith Chare from Coleraine RBL in Coleraine on Saturday at the war memorial to mark VE day. Picture kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

“I’d say the commemorations would have been a lot bigger if we weren’t under these restrictions.

“I was pleased to attend. I’m glad the Royal British Legion invited me.”

Also taking part in the socially distanced commemoration, laying a wreath in Coleraine, was Lord Lieutenant for Co Londonderry Alison Millar.

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The Royal British Legion is strong with the North West area with 12 branches within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough council area.

Cllr Mark FiElding Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and his wife Mayoress Phylis presented a plaque to mark the formation of Dervock RBL which celebrated 100 years to George Black Chairman during the laying of a wreath by the Mayor in Dervock at the war memorial to mark VE Day on Saturday. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley MultimediaCllr Mark FiElding Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and his wife Mayoress Phylis presented a plaque to mark the formation of Dervock RBL which celebrated 100 years to George Black Chairman during the laying of a wreath by the Mayor in Dervock at the war memorial to mark VE Day on Saturday. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
Cllr Mark FiElding Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and his wife Mayoress Phylis presented a plaque to mark the formation of Dervock RBL which celebrated 100 years to George Black Chairman during the laying of a wreath by the Mayor in Dervock at the war memorial to mark VE Day on Saturday. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

The organisation shares its centenary with that of Northern Ireland.

Mr Fielding said: “The Royal British Legion is 100 years old this year which also coincides with the centenary of Northern Ireland.

“In recognising this I am giving each branch within Causeway Coast and Glens a framed presentation to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and the Northern Ireland Centenary.

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“Three branches – Dervock, Ballymoney and Bushmills – received theirs on Saturday with the remaining being presented this week.”

VE Day – or ‘Victory in Europe Day’ – marked the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

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Related topics:Northern IrelandMayorColeraineDervockCauseway Coast