Archbishop, Lord Eames, who had visited the Royal Irish Regiment whilst it was serving in Afghanistan, was the preacher at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast yesterday afternoon.
The Archbishop commenced his address stating that “few of us, if any, fully understand the gift of memory. Yet memory forms our attitude to the present, and our lives for the future”.
“You have brought to this cathedral, so closely associated with the Royal Irish, a host of memories : pictures of the past, pictures of relationships, pictures of danger, and pictures of leadership and service. Above all you have memories of what those days did to you”, he said.
Speaking of what he called, “The sacred human side of it all”, the Archbishop referred to the time he spent in Afghanistan with the regiment. Archbishop Eames recalled, “The conversations into the night, the humour, and of innermost thoughts which ‘lay too deep for tears’.”
He especially recalled the young Ranger who said to him, “I have grown up in Afghanistan.”
He had memories of those who talked of their families and loved ones and their concerns for them; and of their commitment to their duty.
He paid tribute to the sense of family in the Regiment – the father, son and grandson from families, and from throughout Ireland who have served.
“No one in my position could ever forget the privilege of dedicating your Memorial in Afghanistan,” said Archbishop Eames.
He continued, “The wreath that was laid here today was that laid on that occasion in Afghanistan. You brought it home”.
Paying tribute to what the Regiment had achieved in Afghanistan, Archbishop Eames said, “Those who served have memories of the heat of battle where your fears were matched by your courage.”
He referred to, “Your loyalty to bringing peace to that troubled country. You have memories of many engagements. But what you achieved that the opening of the bazaar, the building of the school, and achieving conditions which enabled the Chiefs to come to sit, to talk and to listen”.
The Archbishop recollected being able to get out of an armoured vehicle and walk in an area which previously had been heavily fought over. “This was due to the service of the Regiment”, he commented. And he added, “All that is to your credit and to the ancient emblem of your regiment.
“You have memories of happiness of achievement, memories of courage, and memories of sadness.”
Referring to the three bereaved families, Archbishop Eames said to them, “None of us can fully understand your burdens, your walk, or your grief. But you must have pride in what they stood for and you must have gratitude for what they stood for. Among the band of brothers they stood tall. Our prayers are with you all and we pray that as time goes on and your memories heal, you will be proud of them, and know that they are safe in the arms of the God who listens”.
In a tribute to the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Colin Weir, he referred to the Colonel’s integrity and the passion in his leadership.
He said to the Regiment, “This country owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude and we are very proud of you.
“The regiment has gone to a historic land in the heat of the sun which has known centuries of conflict.
“You gave part of that country breathing space to find a new sense of democracy and to give hope to new generations of children.
“We say very simply welcome back, thank you for what you have done.”
He assured the members present, “The name of the Royal Irish Regiment stands high in the regard and respect of the British army.”
Remembrance and thanksgiving
Three members of the regiment who were killed while on duty in Afghanistan were remembered at the commencement of the service.
A wreath was laid by the commanding officer and three candles were lit by their friends in the regiment in memory of Rangers Aaron McCormick from Macosquin, Co Londonderry and David Dalzell from Bangor and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee from Banbridge .
Relatives of the deceased, along with serving Royal Irish soldiers and their families, were among the congregation.
Leading the act of remembrance, the Rev Michael Roemmele, honorary chaplain to the regiment, said: “Let us remember before almighty God and commend to his sure keeping Ranger Aaron McCormick, Ranger David Dalzell and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee who died for their country and whose memory we treasure, as we remember all who have lived and died in the service of mankind.”
Colonel of the regiment Lieutenant General Sir Philip Trousdell, a former GOC Northern Ireland, read a lesson as did the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir.
Also present at the service were : Dame Mary Peters, HML for Belfast and other Lord Lieutenants from Northern Ireland, Cllr William Humphries, High Sheriff of the City of Belfast together with Mayors of several councils. Other dignitaries included Lord and Lady Brookeborough, First Minister Peter Robinson, Secretary of State Owen Paterson, Nigel Dodds MP, and PSNI assistant chief constable Alastair Finlay.
The congregation was welcomed by Canon Tim Close, and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of Mr Ian Barber presented three anthems.