Only 10 people to attend Somme remembrance at County Antrim War Memorial

The commemoration at the County Antrim War Memorial will be attended by just 10 people due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Traditionally, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council hosts the annual service and parade at Knockagh to mark the sacrifice of men and women from the county in both the world wars.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions, councillors were told that a maximum number of 10 people would be allowed to attend.

It will be restricted to a service which will take place on June 26 and broadcast virtually on June 28 on the council’s website and social media channels.

The service is likely to include contributions from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, representatives from other Co Antrim councils and Royal British Legion and attended by the council’s group party leaders.

Ballymena TUV Councillor Matthew Amstrong said it was “vitally important to remember the sacrifice made by so many in this borough”.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Day will be marked in Mid and East Antrim on June 27 by the flying of the Armed Forces flag at Larne’s Smiley Buildings and Carrickfergus and Ballymena town halls.

However, the flying of the Armed Forces flag was opposed by Ballymena Sinn Fein Cllr Ian Friary.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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