Commemorative event held at Stormont Parliament buildings to mark 15th anniversary of Iraq War

The event was organised by the Northern Ireland Royal British Legion and also attended by Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone, leader of the DUP Gavin Robinson, Lord Lieutenant for County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton and High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey.

Veterans and their families gathered to attend the service, which featured a reading by veteran Doug Beattie MC MLA, alongside a Service of Remembrance and musical performances from Campbell College.

Speaking about the event, Ms Little-Pengelly said: "This anniversary provides an opportunity to say thank you to all those who served. We remember today those who lost their lives in the conflict, but also those who have died since including from physical or mental injuries sustained.

"Many veterans brought home those injuries, impacted by the conflict they experienced. It is a time to reflect with gratitude on their service, and to ensure they are rightly recognised.

"We remember too all those who were left at home. Who supported in such an important way those who travelled to battle fields far away.

"It is especially important to formally mark this anniversary in Stormont."

Attending the service on Friday was former Army Reservist Helen Wilson, who volunteered to deploy to Iraq in 2004. Helen always wanted to join the Armed Forces, but when a member of her nursing home staff booked leave to deploy to Iraq, Helen was inspired and joined the Territorial Army.

Speaking of her experience, Helen said: “I was an entry officer at the age of 45. I was based at Shaibah Log Base which was a big disused airfield that housed a big 200 bed tented field hospital. I worked on the isolation ward and my maturity was helpful, as I could sit down with these young guys and say ‘I’m old enough to be your mother!’ and use my mental health cap to assess them.

"I felt honoured to be chosen to go to Iraq particularly at my age, not having spent an early career in the military. I was glad to get the opportunity! My family supported me, and my husband was able to look after our 4 children. I was a grandmother with a 2-year-old grandchild – granny goes to war!”

As Chair of her local RBL branch, Helen is very involved with her community and highlighting the importance of remembrance. She said: “I think it’s important to see conflicts like this recognised, and those that did suffer being able to tell their story of where they’ve served. It's very important and I’m glad to see the RBL commemorating more recent conflicts.”

Colonel Neil Salisbury, President of the Royal British Legion in Northern Ireland, said: “Fifteen years on from the end of Operation TELIC, we are proud to bring the Armed Forces community and Northern Ireland together to recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of all those who served in Iraq. Today’s event not only honoured those who lost their lives, but also the families who continue to live with the lasting impact of conflict.

“For many veterans, the effects of service can emerge long after they leave the Armed Forces, whether physical, psychological or financial. The Royal British Legion remains here for the Iraq generation and their loved ones, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”