| Billsticker | Date: Monday, 2012-05-14, 8:30 PM | Message # 1 |
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| Royal Irish honoured with freedom of town
http://bcove.me/sj6894pa
VIDEO = FREEDOM HONOUR FOR ROYAL IRISH
Published on Monday 14 May 2012 08:20
THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Ballymoney on Saturday to see the freedom of the town conferred on the Royal Irish Regiment.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion were joined by the 2nd Battalion (Territorial Army) and several veterans’ associations on parade following a council reception. The regiment — which completed its second tour of duty in war-torn Afghanistan last year — was given a rousing reception from the large north Antrim crowd.
Ballymoney mayor Ian Stevenson said the huge turnout showed how much the troops were valued and “how intensely proud” the people were of their efforts. “It is an honour for the town to host the Royal Irish Regiment and this was a great opportunity for the public to show their gratitude,” he said.
“The freedom ceremony is the highest honour we can bestow, and represents a public demonstration of support for our soldiers who serve with great distinction at home and abroad.”
Mr Stevenson added: “Today was all about the troops and I’m very pleased with how everything went – it was a great privilege to have the troops in Ballymoney.” The mayor said he was also pleased to see past recipients, Lord Bannside and Mollie Holmes – a former mayor of Ballymoney who is now 97 – enjoying the day.
Lord Bannside was making one of his first public appearances since being released from hospital after a heart scare. Led by pipes and drums of the Royal Irish band and regimental mascot – Irish wolfhound Brian Boru IX – the ceremonial parade began shortly after midday.
Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir Philip Trousdell, described the Freedom as an enormous honour much respected by every soldier. He said: “Soldiers are not a strange tribe, they are ordinary citizens who put on a uniform to do a unique job.
“A job that they do best when they know the community at home stands behind them.” North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said he was extremely proud to have been associated with the decision to confer the award on the regiment.
Speaking after attending the event in Ballymoney, the DUP Assemblyman said: “It is not often that a town or a community gets the opportunity to show their appreciation to their armed forces. On Saturday Ballymoney demonstrated that pride in its soldiers.
“The soldiers of the Royal Irish, many from the borough of Ballymoney, have served, both past and present, their regiment with distinction.” Mr Storey added: “It was also great to see the UDR Association on parade. It has had a long association with the Royal Irish and from whom they derive their history.”
The regiment’s 1st Battalion has been based at Tern Hill Barracks in Market Drayton for the past six years. Last month, the troops received the freedom of the Shropshire town following on from a number of homecoming events across Northern Ireland.
Three soldiers from the regiment – Rangers Aaron McCormick and David Dalzell, and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee – lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan.
Message edited by Billsticker - Monday, 2012-05-14, 8:31 PM |
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