Ards and North Down Reaffirms Commitment to Armed Forces Community on Veterans Day
Released: Monday 20 September 2026
Ards and North Down Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Veterans Day, Friday 18 September 2026, exactly 11 years after first signing the agreement in 2015.
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Ards and North Down Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Veterans Day, Friday 18 September 2026
Veterans Day 2026
The signing ceremony formed part of the Council's annual Veterans Day commemorations which also included a parade and musical performance in Conway Square, organised in partnership with the Royal British Legion.
The Covenant was signed on behalf of the Council by Chief Executive Mrs Susie McCullough, alongside Assistant Commander Colonel Simon Cassells, 38 (Irish) Brigade.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families, should be treated with fairness and respect and should not face disadvantage as a result of their service.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said,
"Ards and North Down has a proud and longstanding connection with the Armed Forces. Our Borough is home to veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families who have contributed enormously to the safety and security of our nation. Their courage, professionalism and commitment deserve our gratitude and our support.
We are proud to reaffirm our support of the Armed Forces Covenant, just as we did on this exact date 11 years ago. The Covenant is much more than a signature on a document. It represents an ongoing commitment to ensuring that veterans and military families can access the services, opportunities and support they need."
The Council originally signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant on 18 September 2015, demonstrating support for local Armed Forces personnel, and making a public pledge to support serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout the Borough.
Since then, the Council has continued to strengthen its support for the Armed Forces community through a range of initiatives, working alongside partners including the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland and the Office for Veterans' Affairs. The Council also maintains a dedicated Veterans Champion role to advocate for veterans and their families and help ensure their needs are recognised and understood.
As part of its ongoing commitment to recognising the contribution of service personnel, veterans and emergency services employees, the Council offers a discounted corporate leisure membership for Blue Light Card holders and military veterans. Further details are available from Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex.
Following the signing ceremony, guests gathered in Conway Square for the annual Veterans Day event, where veterans from across the Borough were recognised for their service and contribution to the community.
The Mayor also thanked the Royal British Legion for its continuing support of veterans and acknowledged the organisation's longstanding partnership with the Council. He further expressed appreciation to the veterans who took part in the evening parade and to Ballywalter Flute Band for their performance.
The Armed Forces community includes serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. Through its continued support of the Armed Forces Covenant, Ards and North Down Borough Council aim to ensure that those who have served their country receive the recognition, understanding and support they deserve.
Photo Captions:
- Top (L-R) - Mr David Johnstone, NI Veterans Commissioner, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mike Murdoch MBE, Chief Executive, RFCA, Alderman Trevor Cummings, Veterans Champion, Squadron Leader Steve Hamilton, RAF, Councillor Craig Blaney, Mayor of Ards and North Down and Mr Gawn Rowan Hamilton, Lord Lieutenant of County Down. Front - Mrs Susie McCullough, Chief Executive, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Assistant Commander, Colonel Simon Cassells, 38 (Irish) Brigade
- Assistant Commander, Colonel Simon Cassells, 38 (Irish) Brigade and Mrs Susie McCullough, Chief Executive, Ards and North Down Borough Council.
- Band at saluting dias
- Gathering at Conway Square
