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It is with a great deal of sadness and indeed no small degree
of anger that the Officers and Brethren of the above lodge
resent the way they have become embroiled in a controversy
over their 49th Annual Battle of the Somme Remembrance Service
and Parade arranged to take place on Wednesday 1ST July 2009.
The lodge members feel concerned that attempts to deny us
the traditional route are being motivated by certain party
political agendas coupled with a reluctance to understand
the significance, nature , and culture of the event in question.
Killowen L.O.L. 930 is able to trace its inception back to
early 1800's. Along with Coleraine Fife and Drum Band,( who
have always led the lodge), both groupings well known and
highly respected throughout a wide area of the Province and
indeed further afield. This remembrance/thanksgiving service
and parade is an important fixture in the local area and is
also a vital expression of thanksgiving and remembrance for
all those gave the supreme sacrifice in two World Wars and
in other theatres of war since then. It is an important expression
of culture, remembrance and indeed identity especially with
those whose loved ones ,from all sections of the community
, who did not return from the various conflicts . All supporters
of the lodge and band (many of whom live along the traditional
route) are very dismayed by the present situation in which
lodge now finds itself embroiled - through no fault of its
own.
It must be stated that Killowen L.O.L. 930 has no political
agenda and the lodge wishes to state in the strongest possible
terms that the Annual Remembrance Service and Parade cannot
rationally be said to have any connection or bearing on recent
events which have recently precipitated along part of the
usual parade route of some 50 years standing.
Consequently, the officers of the lodge have liaised extensively
with the PSNI, local political and clerical representatives,
and community groups and have proposed for this year to voluntarily
reduce the composition of the Remembrance parade in the Heights
area. The reduced Remembrance Parade ,for this year only,
will consist solely of Coleraine Fife & Drum Band , Killowen
L.O.L. 930, and County and District Officers.The parade will
also not proceed along Somerset Drive. Instead it will process
along Pates Lane and Laurel Avenue then onwards following
the normal route. Music will also be restricted voluntarily
along parts of the route and we would request supporters not
to become part of, or follow the parade in this area. No alcohol
will be allowed along the route and the PSNI have been requested
to assist in this matter. This decision relates only to the
Remembrance parade on the 1st July 2009 and is taken only
in the context of events which have recently occurred in the
surrounding area alluded to previously.
It is felt by the members of Killowen L.O.L. 930 that this
is an extremely appropriate gesture which should be accepted
by all concerned as a sincere and genuine attempt to ease
any potential community tensions, fears, or worries which
may exist along the parade route.
Finally and very importantly. The lodge and officers and
members would request all our supporters to strictly obey
the directions of marshals who will be on duty.
On Friday afternoon, two flags were removed by the Orange
Order in the area, in an attempt to help defuse community
tension.
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