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 Primary School in an act symbolising the passing of the legacy of the D-Day landings to a new generation.
Mr Horner served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, and landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on 6th June 1944. Also in attendance was a 99 year old Second World War veteran, George Lutton from Co Armagh.
David Richardson from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission said it was inspiring for young people to learn about events that happened 80 years ago. The ‘Lighting Their Legacies’ will take place in various locations, across the United Kingdom in the run up to 6th June.