A motion put before council yesterday evening (Tuesday 17), to recognise surviving War Veterans, has been passed by the Corporate policy and Resource committee.
The motion was put before the committee by DUP Cllr Knight-McQuillan which said;
“With the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaching, Council wishes to recognise the contribution of those who fought in that War from Northern Ireland.
Every year the number of our surviving veterans is reducing and the time to provide public and appropriate recognition is running out. We will, therefore, provide all surviving veterans of WW2 (including those in the Merchant Navy) who reside in our Borough with a Silver Poppy of Remembrance to mark their service in the fight against Fascism and Nazism. These Poppies will be presented to all surviving Veterans at a special Service of Remembrance”
Seconded by fellow DUP Councillor, John McAuley, the original notice of motion was submitted by Cllr Alan McLean. But in his absence, Cllr McAuley replaced Alan McLean on the committee for the evening.
Speaking about the decision, Cllr McAuley said he was;
“Delighted to second Cllr Knight-McQuillen’s proposal tonight which will recognise surviving veterans from the Borough who fought in WWII.”
The motion will see surviving War Veterans across the Causeway Coast & Glen Borough Council area receive a special silver Poppy of Remembrance similar to the one below.
It’s understood that that as well as the DUP committee members, the motion was supported by Alliance councillor Chris McCaw and two out of the three UUP committee members, as Cllr Wilson was out of the room at the time of the vote.
SDLP abstained from the vote with Sinn Fein members voting against.
The final tally was 9 FOR, 4 AGAINST & 2 ABSTAINS
