Stran Hosts VE80 Celebration

The 80^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day has been commemorated by a special event held ion the Stranmillis campus.  Organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI), supported by 38 (Irish) Brigade, the event included the firing of a Royal Gun Salute to mark the second anniversary of the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.  Traditionally held in Hillsborough Castle. This is the first time that a Royal Gun Salute has been held in Belfast since 1999, and a huge honour for the College

Over 150 guests representing a cross section of the local community watched the 21-gun salute and inspection of the guns, which was followed by a reception where guests we able to seea collection of displays of World War II artefacts supplied by the NI War Museum. The event concluded with theBand of the Royal Irish Regiment performing a Beating Retreat.

Thanking the participants and guests, The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL said, “Today’s event is a sensitive balance of reflection and celebration.  It commemorates enormous sacrifice and acknowledges the steadfast resilience of those who lived through World War II.  Indeed, it is a fitting tribute that we hold this event in Belfast which suffered so much especially during the Blitz.  And even more significant is the choice of Stranmillis University College as host venue which was repurposed as a military hospital from 1939-1944.”

“But this occasion also celebrates the peace and freedom afforded to us all as a result.  I am delighted that with our partners, RFCA NI, 38 (Irish) Brigade and Stranmillis University College, we have marked both VE80 day and Their Majesties’ Coronation in a collective spirit of remembrance and joy.”