Call to stand firm against war on culture and heritage

Delighted to take part in the Flagship Twelfth demonstration in Londonderry, the UK City of Culture, he said it was an historic year for the city: “It is only fitting that the Twelfth of July, a day we hold so dear, marks the culmination of a successful programme of events showcasing Orange and Protestant heritage in the north west. As Londonderry basks in the world’s spotlight, we are absolutely thrilled through the colour and spectacle of Northern Ireland’s largest annual festival to provide an enhanced cultural experience on the streets of the maiden city.”

He said it was an honour to parade alongside the Grand Masters of England and Scotland, and said the demonstrations across the Province were a testament to the enduring strength of the Loyal Institution.

“This is an historic city, renowned for its Walls and significant links to the Williamite period. Then the people of Londonderry stood firm withholding an onslaught from the Jacobite Army which consequently set in trail a series of events leading to King William’s eventual victory in the Battle of the Boyne.

Over three centuries later, Protestants in today’s Northern Ireland must now show the same resolute determination displayed by the Apprentice Boys of Derry as we face an almost daily onslaught on our British culture and heritage.

“Not content having subjected this Province to terror and mayhem through a murderous campaign; and trying their best to re-write history in an attempt to justify their vile actions; republicans are now engaging in a cultural war to erode all symbols of Britishness from this part of the United Kingdom.

The shameful decision to strip down the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall, following on from the outrageous naming of a children’s play park in Newry after an IRA terrorist, are just some examples of the so-called ‘shared future’ envisaged by Sinn Fein,” he said, continuing: “Such is their disdain for Loyal Order parades; we even have the disgraceful spectacle of the current Culture Minister at Stormont, supposed to represent all the people of Northern Ireland, openly protesting against our very presence on the streets of our capital city.”

“I would remind Mrs Ni Chuilin that Orangeism is an integral component of the cultural fabric of the Protestant/Pro-Union community. We are not going to go away.

A recent report revealed 55 million reasons why the traditional parading sector is of benefit financially to the local economy. The Loyal Orders and marching bands collectively contribute much to this society.

“We have sacrificed too much over the years to bow now to the demands of unrepentant republicanism,” he said, continuing: “Recent days have also demonstrated the increasing incompetence of the Parades Commission as it continues on its relentless crusade to denigrate Orangeism and the values we hold dear.

“The absurdity of preventing three Orange Lodges in Ligoniel from partaking in a dignified parade on their return from the Twelfth celebrations, while rewarding those who engage in violence and go out of their way to be offended by our traditions, has surely sounded the death knell for this charade of a commission.

I call on the Secretary of State to immediately cease offering this unelected quango life support; and finally put it out of its misery, for the good of all in Northern Ireland.”Since I last stood on a Twelfth platform the horror of terror once again cast a dark shadow over our Institution following the brutal and senseless murder of esteemed member, Bro David Black, from Cookstown. David’s only crime was to wear the uniform of his country, serving the entire community as an accomplished and highly respected prison officer. Our thoughts and prayers remain with David’s wife, Yvonne, his children, Kyle and Kyra, and his wider family circle. He and the 336 other members of our Institution murdered by terrorists will never be forgotten,” he said.

He told Brethren that the Orange Order would “always stand up for the rights and entitlements of innocent victims. That is the reason why we make no apology for expressing our opposition to the proposed construction of a so-called Conflict Resolution Centre at the Maze”.

He siad: “We will simply not countenance the very real prospect of a terrorist shrine manifesting itself at the very site, where those who inflicted nothing but anguish and sorrow upon the law-abiding majority, were quite rightly incarcerated for their horrific crimes.

“I want to make clear that the Orange Institution is not being party political on this emotive and sensitive issue. We do not believe we are “nutters” but rather are merely expressing the legitimate viewpoint of those most directly affected by our troubled past. The ‘real’ victims deserve to be heard and we will do our utmost to ensure their concerns are listened to and acknowledged.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is committed to playing its role in making Northern Ireland a better place for everyone.

Turning to the celebration in Londonderry, he said: “I would like to personally thank City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge for their kind invitation to be present here today on this special occasion as we celebrate the 323rd anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

“I also wish to pay tribute to Londonderry brethren, under the guidance of City Grand Master James Hetherington, for the positive and engaging role they have played in the UK City of Culture celebrations,” Mr Stevenson said, continuing: “The cultural programme they delivered so competently highlighted not only the strong and vibrant Orange culture which exists in Londonderry, but also proved the huge contribution made by the minority Protestant community – one which they continue to make - to the evolving progression of this great city.

“The 400th anniversary of Londonderry receiving the Royal Charter last month was a timely reminder that this city – the most westerly in the United Kingdom - remains an integral part of the British political system.

“As unashamedly firm advocates of the Union with Great Britain, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland stands foursquare with our fellow brethren and sisters in Scotland in their opposition to independence, ahead of the scheduled referendum next year.

Grand Master Dunbar can be assured of our support for the ‘British Together’ movement, which will no doubt gain momentum in the lead up to this very important vote.

“The anti-independence campaign states we are ‘United Together’, ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Better Together’. These are worthy sentiments and as steadfast defenders of the most successful political union the world has ever known, we challenge those calling for its break-up to convince us otherwise,” he said.

“Like our Scottish peers, we are immensely proud to be loyal subjects of Her Majesty the Queen in Northern Ireland. This year we offer our congratulations as she celebrates the 60th anniversary of her Coronation. Long may she reign over us.

We hope our beloved Province, along with England, Scotland and Wales will remain under her realm and stewardship for many years to come,” the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Grand Master said..