Ulster Unionist Alderman Glenn Barr has welcomed news that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council`s Economic Development Committee has accepted the request from Reserve Forces and Cadets Association NI (RFCA NI) to host Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2020.
Ulster Unionist Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“It is fantastic news that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council now has the opportunity to host Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2020. In May 2018 I brought forward a ‘Notice of Motion’ for Council to register its interest with RFCA NI to bring Armed Forces Day to the ABC Borough Council area. This motion was widely supported by Council. I stressed to Council at the time that this was being brought forward respectively and in recognition that some may not support Armed Forces.
“Now we have been informed by the Reserve Forces and Cadet Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI) that ABC Council will have the opportunity to host this prestigious event. With over 40,000 people attending Lisburn Armed Forces Day in June 2019 it is without doubt a massive coup for the Borough to be able to host it in 2020. I thank those who supported bringing Armed Forces Day to the Borough which received cross-community support.
“Armed Forces Day is a national event held across the United Kingdom and it provides an opportunity for everyone to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces recruit from all sections of our community and further afield, and given the proud history of service and support that the people of the ABC council area have shown for the Armed Forces over the years, it is wholly appropriate that we host it. This is a huge opportunity for our borough and I hope that preparations will be fast tracked so that we can host one of the best Armed Forces Day`s in the United Kingdom.
“I firmly believe that Banbridge would lend itself the most to hosting AFD 2020 and maximising its success. The most important part of AFD is that of the family; bringing over 40,000 people to Banbridge would undoubtedly be a tourism coup.”