NORTHERN IRELAND ARMY RESERVISTS REMEMBER

In the year which marks the centenary of World War 1, men, women and children packed the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall to take their part in the city’s formal Remembrance Sunday commemorations.  Amongst those gathered at the Cenotaph to honour the nation’s fallen were members of Northern Ireland’s Army Reserve.

Remembrance Sunday was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but, following World War II, the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation’s dead of both World Wars, and, in 1980, it was widened further in remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and those who mourn them.

On duty and playing his part in the solemn ceremony was Antrim Army Reservist, Ranger Richard McKenna.

On duty at the formal commemorations at the Cenotaph to honour the nation’s fallen were Army Reservists, Ranger Gary McCartney and Ranger Barry McCune, both from Dundonald.

Proud to play a formal role in the city’s commemorations was Carrickfergus Army Reservist, Ranger David McCormick.

Bringing a blend of poignant traditional Irish music and rousing military marches was Carrickfergus piper, Ranger Jock Patton.

Honoured to be in command of the Cenotaph Party was East Belfast man, Army Reservist Colour Sergeant Darren Wray from East Belfast.

Colour Sergeant Wray (centre) is pictured with the four East Belfast men who, for the first time in their Army Reserve careers, had the honour of acting as Cenotaph party.  Pictured, from left, are Colour Sergeant Ian Fordyce, Geoff Strain-Smyth, Nigel Lynn and John McCoullough.