Lisburn, as a garrison city, is the main barracks to the British Army in Northern Ireland at Thiepval with a history dating back to WWII.
The Mayor of Northern Ireland’s British Army headquarters has called out Donald Trump’s remarks on Nato for causing “hurt” to local troops including a BAFTA award winning service man.
The American president said some Nato soldiers had “stayed a little back” when on the frontline during the Afghanistan war.
Lisburn, as a garrison city, is the main barracks to the British Army in Northern Ireland at Thiepval with a history dating back to WWII.
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In chambers this week, Lisburn and Castlereagh Mayor Amanda Grehan (Alliance) said:”As mayor I would like to address recent comments attributed to by Donald Trump regarding the role of Nato soldiers in Afghanistan, which caused understandable hurt to service personnel, veterans and their families here and across Northern Ireland.
“My thoughts went immediately to Andy Allen MBE whom I recently heard speaking at an even about his frontline service in Afghanistan and the work of his charity, AA Veterans Support.
“His experience reflects the reality of military service.”
Mr Allen is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and was left a double leg amputee and partially blind as a result of an attack by the Taliban in Helmand using an improvised explosive device.
The UUP politician featured in the BAFTA award-winning 2010 documentary, ‘Wounded’, which was a first hand documentary following his journey from being injured in Afghanistan.
He was awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Years Honour list for service to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland.
The mayor added:”Nine service members from Northern Ireland lost their lives in Afghanistan and 457 British personnel were killed.
“Their sacrifice deserves to be recognised truthfully and with respect.
“Subsequent comments have acknowledged the bravery and frontline service of UK and Nato troops and that service should always be recognised with respect and dignity.”
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