NIVA Service of Remembrance 24th September 2005
On Saturday, 24th September, the Northern
Ireland Veteran's Association held their Annual Service of Remembrance at the
National Memorial Arboretum. The
service is held annually to commemorate those members of the police and security
forces, who served in the pursuit of peace during 1969-2001.
302 RUC officers lost their lives through terrorism in Northern Ireland,
and many mainland officers were also murdered whilst carrying out their duties.
The Ulster Defence Regiment lost 203 members and other combined regiments
of the British Army lost 452 supporting the police, during the same period.
Whilst the majority of the congregation live on the mainland,
a sizeable number had also made the trip from N.Ireland.
Bob Young represented PUMA at the service, attending in RUC uniform by
kind permission of the RUC GC Historical Society.
The Roll of Honour commemorating every organisation or regiment that lost
members was read out during the Service.
When
the poignant service had concluded there was a brief chance to renew old
friendships, before the NIVA members formed up for the Remembrance Parade to the
Ulster Ash Grove. This was led by
over 20 Standard Bearers from many Associations throughout the United Kingdom.
Upon arrival at the Ash Grove a short wreath laying ceremony took place at the Memorial, with Bob Young placing a wreath on behalf of the RUC GC and Supt Moore representing the PSNI. Bob was a little surprised, but extremely honoured, when NIVA representatives approached him with a request. It transpired that the RUC GC Parents Association had placed a commemorative bench within the Ash Grove, which they wished to have dedicated. Unfortunately only one parent was able to attend, Mr Reeves, who lost his son D/Constable David Reeves in an explosion at Shantallow, Londonderry, on 11th June 1982. By co-incidence Bob had been in one of the first response crews to arrive at this incident.
The NIVA chaplain then dedicated the bench, with Bob reading the official prayer for the RUC in honour of the fallen. Afterwards he had a chance to talk at length with Mr Reeves and also introduced him to Helen Walker, COPS trustee. With the formal ceremonies over, the NIVA group adjourned to the nearby RBL Club in Alrewas, for a social gathering and light refreshments.