Member's statement: Irish Guards: 125th Anniversary
Member's statement by Ms Joanne Bunting on .
- MLA
- Ms Joanne Bunting
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 8 September 2025
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Irish Guards: 125th Anniversary
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5067995
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I rise to pay tribute to the Irish Guards in their 125th anniversary year, following a weekend of commemorative events. The Irish Guards are an extraordinary regiment, renowned for their bravery, loyalty, passion and willingness to serve King and country even unto death. Theirs is a proud and distinguished history of unwavering service, and this weekend fully demonstrated their deep roots in and strong connections and bonds to Northern Ireland. It was a joy and a privilege to celebrate the historic milestone with them. There were a number of events to recognise such a significant occasion, which included beating the retreat ceremonies at Carrickfergus Castle and Edenmore, a remembrance service at the cenotaph at Belfast City Hall, a parade and concert in Bangor and, finally, a parade and laying-up of colours in my constituency of East Belfast yesterday. Everywhere they went, the soldiers on parade were cheered and greeted by large and enthusiastic crowds, wishing the young men and women well, delighted to pay tribute to them and their service, revelling in the ceremony, the music, the uniforms and the meaning and history of the occasion. Yesterday was particularly poignant and certainly historic, as the ninth set of old colours, which were presented to the 1st Battalion by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 6 May 2009, were laid up in a beautiful service. Many of us were honoured to be in attendance on such a meaningful and historic day. Meaningful because of what the colours represent to a regiment: the sacred flags that serve as the physical embodiment of a regiment's honour, spirit and heritage; the ever-present banner standing as a rallying point for loyalty and morale, with them in battle, on parade and everywhere in between — always a source of pride and inspiration; and a powerful reminder of those who went before and all that they gave. I say "historic", because this is the first time that a regiment has laid up its beautiful colours anywhere on this island. For East Belfast to be chosen is inordinately special. Moreover, St Mark's Church in Dundela is, itself, a historic landmark, being the former church of CS Lewis. It was a privilege for those of us who were present to stand alongside serving personnel and veterans and their families to reflect, remember and give thanks. We in the DUP are proud of those from Northern Ireland who, despite opposition and threat from some quarters, have chosen the noble career of service in the military. We understand the sacrifice that that requires, including being away from family and loved ones for sustained periods and often putting oneself in danger. We commend the regiment and those in it. We pray for them and for their safety. We are grateful to them for our freedom and for their service, and we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
477 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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