The run-up to Remembrance Sunday was unfortunately very different this year due to COVID19. The Lieutenancy were unable to undertake the normal number of engagements throughout the County and any engagements that did happen were smaller, socially distanced events with only the minimum number of attendees.
On 6th November, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, attended a small service of remembrance in the Garden of Remembrance, Carrickfergus, and laid a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen. He also planted a cross to honour the North Irish Horse (Now B Sqn, Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry).
On Remembrance Sunday, 8th November 2020, wreaths were laid in the following locations:
- Lisburn – the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, laid a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen in the morning. He was joined by his Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Robert Allen, of Carrickfergus detachment, 1st (NI) Bn ACF.
- Antrim – the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, laid a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen in the afternoon. He was joined by his Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison, of Larne detachment, 1st (NI) Bn ACF.
- Ballycastle – The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Miranda Gordon, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Ballyclare – Mr Edward Montgomery, MBE, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Ballymena – Colonel Stewart Douglas, OBE, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Ballymoney – Mr James Perry, MBE, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Bushmills – Dr Peter FitzGerald, CBE, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Carrickfergus – Mrs Jackie Stewart, MBE, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
- Portrush – Dr Stephen Bailie, TD, DL, represented the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and laid a wreath on his behalf.
It was fantastic to be allowed to have the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets able to attend. It has been a very difficult year for this year’s cadets due to the disruption caused by COVID19. Congratulations to Emma Ellison, of Larne detachment, 1st (NI) Bn ACF, on her recent promotion to Cadet Sergeant Major.
