13 November 2025
This year, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office was proud once again to partner with Linfield Football Club to host a special Remembrance event at Windsor Park. The day brought together over 100 veterans for a moving occasion filled with gratitude, reflection, and community spirit.
A Day to Remember at Windsor Park
Before the Linfield FC vs Coleraine match, veterans enjoyed a Q&A session with former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Tommy Wright and former Glasgow Rangers player Marvin Andrews, who shared stories from their sporting careers and paid tribute to those who have served.
A charity presentation followed, as members of the Irish Guards Association received by Paul Ross on behalf of the Air Ambulance, highlighting the spirit of support and community that defines the veteran network.
The day culminated in a pitchside Act of Remembrance, televised by the BBC, during which players, veterans, and supporters stood together in a moment of silence to honour the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform. This poignant act served as a fitting tribute during the Remembrance weekend.
⸻
Commemorations Across Northern Ireland
Throughout the Remembrance period, Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone attended a number of memorials and services across Northern Ireland.
On Saturday 1 November, he attended a memorial dedicated to Flight Lieutenant Władysław Kolekfrom 315 Polish Air Force Squadron, based at RAF Ballyhalbert. The pilot tragically lost his life when his aircraft crashed outside Belfast at just 26 years of age, a reminder of the many international stories interwoven with Northern Ireland’s wartime history.
The Commissioner also attended the annual Royal Irish Regiment Remembrance Service at Belfast Cathedral, joined by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA and Minister for Defence and Procurement Luke Pollard MP. The service provided an important opportunity to honour all members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in service, as well as those who continue to serve with courage and dedication, often far from home.
Honouring Across the Nation
Members of the Veterans Commissioner’s Office team, Rachael and Alan, represented the office at the opening of the Garden of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall, where the solemn sound of a piper accompanied serving personnel and veterans as they placed wooden crosses in memory of fallen comrades from across the services and regiments.
Later in the week, the Commissioner and Alan met with former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (CGC) and the Royal Irish Regiment at the Garden of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a reminder that acts of remembrance unite people across the UK in shared reflection and gratitude.
Remembrance Sunday saw the Commissioner and his staff attend services in Belfast, Larne and Cullybackey, followed by a special Remembrance assembly on Monday 10 November at Buick Memorial Primary School. There, the Commissioner spoke to pupils about the importance of remembrance and the enduring significance of the poppy as a symbol of reflection and respect.
A Shared Commitment to Remember
Remembrance is a special time, one that carries deep personal meaning for many. For some, it brings peace in knowing that friends and comrades will never be forgotten; for others, it stirs memories that can be difficult to revisit.
Whatever remembrance means to each individual, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office remains deeply committed to honouring, remembering, and supporting all who have served, those who have fallen, those who live with the memories of service, and those who continue to serve our nation with pride and resilience.