'We are so proud of you!'
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Royal Irish Regiment get a warm welcome home.
THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Ballymena to welcome home the troops of the Royal Irish Regiment at the weekend.
Celebrating the safe return of the troops and providing a fitting commemoration for those who were killed or injured during the conflict, Friday evening's homecoming parade was the first in a week-end of celebrations organised by local Councils.
Before the 200 or so troops set off from The Braid Town Hall in Bridge Street to the cheers and applause of their supporters, Ballymena mayor, Councillor Maurice Mills told them: "We are proud of you!"
Led by the Regimental pipe band and an Irish Wolfhound, the military pageant progressed along Mill Street and Wellington Street and the Service men and women were received with a warm Ballymena welcome.
Speaking about the parade, Councillor Mills said: "We are delighted to be able to support the local Service men and women in this way.
“This occasion is not about the war, nor the controversy that surrounds it, it is simply about recognising the tremendous sacrifices and commitment the troops have made over the past months. We are proud of their efforts, and are pleased to celebrate their safe return."
Ballymena Borough Council has a long association with the Royal Irish Regiment. Its Regimental Headquarters was located at St Patrick's Barracks in the town, from 1968 until April 2007, and the regiment was granted the Freedom of the Borough in the early 1990s.
Speaking to the Guardian, Ballymena man, Captain Brian Johnston recognised the importance of the homecoming parade more than most.
“These boys are over the moon about coming home, especially to a reception like this," he said, "but it is also a way for us to show how much we appreciate your support."
Explaining that spirits were lifted with letters and packages from Ballymena while on tour, Captain Johnston said that the parade was also a chance for the troops to "give something back to the town."
“We are immensely grateful for the support we have received."
Another Ballymena Ranger, Blane Millar, one of the youngest serving in Afghanistan said that the response was "unbelievable."
“Hearing the overwhelming support made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and it nearly brought a tear to my eye. It was a fantastic response."
Making their way through Ballymena on Friday, the troops deserved all the cheers and applause they received, according to supporters in the crowd.
Doreen Surgenor from Harryville was just one of the many spectators who turned out to support homecoming troops.
Praising their efforts and bravery, Doreen said: "It's a credit to them. They're so well turned-out and they should all be given medals."
Jim Shaw, who served with the Royal Irish Regiment for 25 years between 1971 and 1996, was also in the crowd.
He said: "These men and women deserve all the praise and support we can give them. They faced difficulties that most people will never know.
“Tribute should be paid and I think the parade is a fitting way to show our appreciation to our servicemen and women."
