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The Orange Institution fell silent at 11am on Monday, 11th of November, for the annual Armistice Day Service, as members of the Orange Family gathered in the Memorial Garden at Schomberg House, Belfast, to pay their respects.
The annual wreath-laying event, which is organised in partnership with Thiepval Memorial Lodge LOL 1916, included a short parade and was attended by dozens of Brethren from across the jurisdiction of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson laid a wreath on behalf of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland during a service conducted by Wor. Bro. Rev. Alistair Smyth, Grand Chaplain.
Addressing the gathering, the Grand Master said: “On the 11th of November each year it is fitting that we take time to pause and remember those who gave so much in defence of freedom and democracy. They made the supreme sacrifice in order to secure a future for the generations who follow.
“This year is particularly poignant as we marked the 80th anniversaries of the D-Day Landings in June and Operation Market Garden in September. The commemoration of those historic events shone a light on the bravery, courage and fearlessness of all those involved.
“Many Orange Brethren were part of that great invasion force, young men from lodges in cities, towns and villages, who willingly gave their all in service of King and Country.”
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of The Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland, Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and Thiepval Memorial LOL 1916.
In a separate ceremony, the Grand Master was accompanied by the Grand Mistress of The Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and the Junior Grand Master in laying a wreath at the Memorial Window in memory of the 342 Orange Brethren and one Sister who were murdered during the Troubles.
Dozens of other wreath-laying ceremonies were held across the jurisdiction of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland as members of the Orange Family paid their respects.
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