Down Lieutenancy
The D Day 80 Beacon was lit at Bangor Castle on 6th June 2024. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL was accompanied by Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Sgt Francesca Hamilton, Mayor Ards and North Down Borough Council Alistair Cathcart, and Chief Executive Susie McCullough.
A beautiful summer’s evening saw The Lord Dunleath DL representing the Down Lieutenancy, lighting a beacon at Burr Point, Ballyhalbert, the most easterly point on the mainland of Northern Ireland, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D Day Landings. A moving ceremony with the added poignancy of its setting by the sea. He was joined by Alderman Robert Adair, Ards and North Down Borough Council.
During the D Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration event in Bangor, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL presented medals to members of 591 (Antrim Artillery) Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, for their recent UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.
The D Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration event included a Drumhead Service and a Beating Retreat performed by The Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment.
A Gun Salute was fired by the Royal Artillery over Belfast Lough. Many US Navy ships assembled in Belfast Lough ahead of the D Day Landings in Normandy.
(L-R Back) Polish Consul Mr Mariusz Stus, Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Sgt Francesca Hamilton, US Consul General James Applegate, CEO Ards and North Down Borough Council Susie McCullough, (L-R Front) High Sheriff Sue Wild, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL Mayor Ards and North Down Borough Council Jennifer Gilmore, Lt Col Kevin Thomas.
In Bangor, Mr John Rollins OBE DL attends the Remembrance Day Commemoration, one of the largest in County Down.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL attended a Civic Reception in Bangor Castle to mark the milestone 250th anniversary of Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church in March 2024.
Picture Credit: Co Down Spectator