UUP's Carmichael calls for more Armed Forces events

Mr Robert Carmichael, the East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Party Association Chairman, has called for more Armed Forces events to be organised across the Province following “the tremendous success of the Armed Forces Day events in Coleraine at the weekend”.

   Speaking on behalf of the East Londonderry UUP, Mr Carmichael issued his call after the very successful Armed Forces Day in Coleraine which saw thousands of people pour into the constituency for the prestigious event. 

   Mr Carmichael also thanked the public, especially in East Londonderry, for their “outstanding support” of all the Armed Forces Day events throughout the constituency.

   Mr Carmichael added: “As an Ulster Unionist Party Association, we were exceptionally proud to support Armed Forces Day and Ulster Unionists everywhere played their part in honouring our brave Servicemen and women.

   “The community is also to be highly praised for its support. Given this outstanding support, we need more Armed Forces Days so that remembering the sacrifice which our forces make is not limited to just Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.  

   “We in Northern Ireland know more than most the high price we ask our Servicemen and women to pay for our freedom.

   “The Armed Forces Day was a fantastic opportunity to both raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. 

   “It also let us publicly show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community; from currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to cadets.

   “It was great to see that events to mark the occasion were held throughout the United Kingdom.

   “Bearing in mind the key role which Northern Ireland men and women have played and continue to play in the United Kingdom’s forces, it was absolutely appropriate that we took time to reflect on this by supporting Armed Forces Day, so let’s have more of these magnificent occasions,” said Mr Carmichael on behalf of the UUP association.