Parades Honour Forces

A national day to honour the armed services has been held as a protest by republicans led to confrontation with the police in Belfast.

That happened as Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, marking the contribution of war heroes past and present.

The past weekend also saw a well-attended commemorative event taking place at the Co Antrim war memorial. Held at the cliff-top Knockagh monument, and attended by the Queen's official representative, Joan Christie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, (pictured during the traditional two-minute silence), it recalled the bloody Battle of the Somme during WWI.

Among over 200 civic representatives and Royal British Legion members who attended, the Stormont Executive was represented by the incoming Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson.

The day before was the first Armed Forces Day to be held simultaneously across the United Kingdom.

It was designed to allow the British public the opportunity to salute the bravery and dedication of troops.

The newly installed Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan - himself a former Captain in the Blues and Royals regiment - said the event was "an opportunity for the nation to get behind those men and women who make up the armed forces community".

However, as peaceful celebrations were held in Carrickfergus, including a parade attended by Chelsea Pensioners, a small group who were intending to protest at an event celebrating Armed Forces Day at Belfast City Hall were stopped by police officers.

A crowd of about 50 people walked down Castle Street in the city centre, where they were blocked by riot police on Saturday morning.

The republicans were protesting over the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag at City Hall.

(BMcC)