"IT IS A SINGULAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE GALLANTRY AND COURAGE SHOWN AND IN ALL TOO MANY CASES, THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE PAID BY MEMBERS OF THE CONSTABULARY DURING THE PAST THIRTY YEARS OF TERRORISM AND CIVIL UNREST."
And the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation continues,
"WE COMMEMORATE IN THE ROLL OF HONOUR ALL THE OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY GEORGE CROSS WHO, FROM 1ST JUNE 1922 UNTIL 3RD NOVEMBER 2001, WERE KILLED AS A RESULT OF TERRORISM AND THOSE WHO DIED IN SERVICE. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."
When I arrived at the Police Headquarters, Knock Road, Belfast, last night I was greeted by various volunteers of the Foundation, who accompanied me inside, where I signed the Visitors' Book.
The function room was modest in size, suitable for the three dozen or so guests, including the NI Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA, Mr Jim McDonald, Chairman of the RUC GC Foundation, Mr and Mrs Freddy Hall, Mr and Mrs Richard Gordon, a brigadier (in mufti) who, I am informed, was from HQNI and looked quite young - or I am ageing!
I met a number of these guests and introduced myself to the Dean of Clogher, the Very Rev Kenneth Hall, who knew an old school pal of mine. We chatted about Nigel, Yvonne and a country parish near Kesh in County Fermanagh.
The finger buffet was good: cocktail sausages, sausage-rolls, dainty sandwiches, pastries, wine. All very civilised.
Just as Timothy Belmont was getting into his stride, it was announced that we would be taken on a tour of the Memorial Garden, which is on a slope below Brooklyn House. We were split up into small groups of about eight in number.
It immediately became apparent that an enormous amount of diligence and thought has been expended on the design and layout of the Garden. Virtually every detail has been carefully considered in the sculptures, the planting of the shrubs, their colours, the types of flowers, and the great symbolism of everything.
I found it both humbling and immensely admirable. On polished granite plaques, the names of 312 RUC officers murdered or killed as a consequence of terrorist activity, and more than 10,000 injured, some gravely.
The Memorial Garden is a calm and dignified place for quiet contemplation; remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Visits to the Garden can be arranged by either ringing 02890 700116 or by email. The Garden is open subject to availability and appointment.
Never forget the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC.
1 comment :
I am in floods of tears Tim. Good thing I wasn't there or I would have howled like a Banshee.
George Starrett's name is on the list. He was shot dead through his kitchen window. He was a lovely funny, gentle man. An easy target. The Blog is another tribute to those brave souls. Mx
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