Member's statement: Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland: Centenary Parade
Member's statement by Mr Colin Crawford on .
- MLA
- Mr Colin Crawford
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 2 June 2025
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland: Centenary Parade
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4980664
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I extend my congratulations to the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on its centenary parade, which was held on Saturday in the city of Lisburn. I declare an interest, as I currently hold the position of deputy grand master — a position that I hold with deep personal honour and high privilege. I see and witness first-hand the remarkable contribution that our junior members make not only to the wider Orange Institution but to civic society as a whole. The Junior Grand Orange Lodge has, for 100 years, instilled in young boys and young men the values of loyalty, faith, culture and community service. It has provided a space where character is formed, friendships are forged and pride in one's heritage is passed down through the generations. That was very evident for all to see at the weekend when thousands of junior brethren marched through Lisburn with pride, discipline and dignity. Saturday's parade in Lisburn was a powerful testament to all that is good about our Orange family. The city was filled with thousands of spectators, families, supporters and friends lining the streets in celebration. The turnout was not only large but dignified, disciplined and an absolute joy to witness. In an age where young people are bombarded with so many distractions and challenges, the Junior Grand Orange Lodge continues to offer something different — a sense of purpose, belonging and identity grounded in the best traditions of Ulster's Protestant and unionist heritage. I was especially heartened to see such a strong representation of our junior Orangewomen. Their pride and presence on parade were inspiring and a clear reflection of the strength of our Orange culture as it flourishes into the next generation. As a proud Orangeman and a committed Ulster Unionist, I take great pride in seeing the next generation walk tall in the footsteps of those who came before them. Here's to the next century of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge and a future built on the strong foundations of our proud past.
336 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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