Veterans in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a groundbreaking new phase of the Veterans, Places, Pathways, and People (VPPP) programme. Backed by the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the VPPP programme is dedicated to creating lasting, sustainable support for veterans and their families as they build stronger futures. The original VPPP programme, […]
Read More… New VPPP Funding Secures a Brighter Future for Northern Ireland Veterans
5 September 2024 “I can confirm that I have today resigned from my position as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. “Following an open and frank conversation with the Secretary of State, I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require. “There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that […]
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner has welcomed the latest efforts to locate the remains of Captain Robert Nairac, an officer who disappeared during the Troubles. The search, which began recently, is taking place on private farmland in the Faughart area near Dundalk. It is being organised by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ […]
Read More… Search for Captain Robert Nairac’s Remains Welcomed by NI Veterans Commissioner
In Northern Ireland, many veterans have chosen to keep their service history private, avoiding the potential political prejudice, security risks, and potential disadvantage that can come with publicly acknowledging their veteran status. For years, this has been a lived reality for those who served, particularly in a region where the past can still cast long […]
Read More… Honouring Veterans in Northern Ireland: A Journey Towards Recognition
July 1, 2024, marks the 108th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of World War I’s most harrowing and pivotal conflicts. This sombre occasion offers a moment to reflect on the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the men of the 36th Ulster Division, whose contributions were instrumental during the initial days of this […]
26 Jun 24 Armed Forces Day 2024 at Jordanstown Loughshore Park was a spectacular event, proudly hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This year, the event was headlined by the world-renowned RAF Red Arrows, marking their only display in Northern Ireland for the year. The Red Arrows’ aerial acrobatics left the thousands of visitors […]
Read More… Jordanstown Loughshore Park Hosts Unforgettable Armed Forces Day 2024
In Northern Ireland, a series of regional events took place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, a humbling and poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in our history. These events honored the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the largest air and sea invasion in history, marking the significance of […]
Read More… Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Northern Ireland
The Veterans Commissioner was honoured to attend a special event at Parliament Buildings to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Organised by the Speaker’s Office, in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the event involved George Horner, a 97 year old D-Day veteran from Carrickfergus, passing a lighted beacon to pupils from Forge Integrated […]
Read More… D-Day 80th Anniversary event at Parliament Buildings
17 May 2024 Thursday 16th May heralded the official launch of an Operation Banner exhibition that has been commissioned and developed with the support of the NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office and local veterans. The exhibition launched at Brownlow House in Lurgan, where over 80 invited guests were able to view a number of informative panels […]
Wednesday 8th May 2024 Information Source – ICRIR Website: www.icrir.independent-inquiry.uk The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will provide information to victims, survivors and their families about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injury and promote reconciliation. The Commission was formed in December 2023, with Sir Declan Morgan appointed as Chief Commissioner and Peter Sheridan […]
Read More… The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) Launches