The Northern Ireland Veterans Association Service of Remembrance.
 

 The first NIVA service of Remembrance took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, on Thursday 23rd September 2004.
This was the first opportunity for the association to gather in public and remember members of the armed forces, police and emergency services who have been killed in Northern Ireland or in Irish-related terrorism.

Approximately 200 people attended the service, which was offically represented by
Adam Ingram MP and David Lidington MP.

The NIVA Chairman, Dave Langston, welcomed all to the service prior to the clergy entering.

The NIVA Chaplain, The Reverend Andrew Rawding conducted the service, and after the opening prayer presented and dedicated the NIVA Standard, which was kindly donated by Steve and produced by Millard Marketing.

Following the Act of Remembrance, a list of all respective Regiments and Services of the Crown were read out by members of the Association.
The Address was delivered by the Reverend David Wilkes, Chaplain General of HM Land Forces.

The service moved outdoors from the Chapel to the Ulster Ash Grove where wreaths were laid, and respects paid to those that died during the conflict.

The Committee of the Northern Ireland Veterans Association would like to formerly thank all those that attended the service, ensuring that the first of many services was a fitting tribute to those that we gathered to remember.
We would particularly like to thank the following for their assistance on the day:

The Senior Administrator and staff of the NMA.
The Royal Army Chaplains Department.
WOII (SSM) Ward, Royal Signals.
WOII (SSM) William, Royal Signals.
Sgt Wills, and the troop of Royal Marine Cadets from HMS Scimitar.
Lauren Haddock and Gillian Chapman of Cowley High School.
The Numerous Standard Bearers that attended.

Left to Right,
Steve (NIVA Standard Bearer), The Reverend Andrew Rawding (NIVA Chaplain), Lauren Haddock, Gillian Chapman, Steve (NIVA Committee member)
 

Wreaths being laid during the service of remembrance.

The NIVA Collect

Almighty and Loving God,

who has brought us together in comradeship

and remembrance of all who have suffered

for the sake of peace in Northern Ireland;

grant us the courage, the strength and the humility

to grow in your grace, forgiveness and love,

as we try to honour you and support each other

with our memories and our lives,

through Jesus Christ our Lord,  Amen. 

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