Thousands of people lined the streets of Shropshire’s county town as members of the Royal Irish Regiment marched to and from Shrewsbury Abbey for a service of thanksgiving and remembrance following the regiment’s return from Afghanistan.
The soldiers, who are based at Tern Hill in Shropshire, had already taken part in a welcome home parade in Market Drayton on Monday; and they will attend further homecoming celebrations in Belfast, Ballymena and Lisburn in the coming days.
During the service on Monday last, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Mark Rylands, praised the soldier’s courage and bravery, saying: “While you have been away, back here in Britain we have heard the news and seen the pictures from Afghanistan. But we can only begin to imagine the situation in which you have been serving.
“Colonel Weir’s reflection this morning was salutary, inspiring and enlightening – it was especially good to hear of your long term patient work in mentoring and training the Afghan National Security Force.
“Zaborabad, Nad Ali, and Helmand Province are all names that have become associated in our minds with danger, courage and sacrifice. You have been serving there to ensure peace across the world. And we are thankful that you have been there for us.”
He added: “Today is a thanksgiving for your operation in Helmand and for your return home. A joyful occasion; but not all of you have returned. Three are dead, some are injured. Today we give thanks in Shropshire – for your return home, all that you have achieved in Helmand for peace in the world and for the lives of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“You have learnt to have faith in one another and in the Afghan people. I encourage you to find faith in the One who has ultimate faith in you because he loves you.”
During the service prayers were said for the families and friends of Ranger Aaron McCormick, Ranger David Dalzell and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee who were killed during the regiment’s deployment to Afghanistan.
Afterwards, the Curate of Shrewsbury Abbey, the Revd Jane Willis who had organised the service, said: “The service went tremendously well, with the appropriate mix of thanksgiving and solemnity. As we at the Abbey have been preparing for this service, we have been following the progress of the Regiment in Afghanistan. They have been in our thoughts and in our prayers. It was a huge privilege to welcome them to the Abbey today, to honour them and the service they have given.”
The service was recorded for broadcast by BBC Radio Shropshire, this Sunday morning, at 7.00am (17th April)