The Foundation organised and held the 23rd RUC GC Day Memorial Service in Enniskillen on 1st June – exactly 103 years since the Royal Ulster Constabulary was founded. Participants included HML Viscount Brookeborough, the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord Godson, the Justice Minister, political party leaders, the PSNI Deputy Chief Constable and an Assistant Commissioner from An Garda Siochanna.
Church leaders from the main churches took part and the sermon was delivered by His Grace, the Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell. He highlighted the importance of marking the sacrifices of RUC officers and their families – but also stressed the need to also honour the Force’s achievements. He talked about the rule of law and the RUC’s immense task of enforcing the law and serving society at a time of crisis when lawlessness, terrorism and danger epitomised Northern Ireland’s situation. He pointed out that beside dealing with wide-scale public disorder and terrorist activity, the RUC continued to provide the full spectrum of policing services and held society together.
Chairman Stephen White led the Act of Remembrance and period of reflection before pipers and a cornet player provided a solemn finale. The Police Male Voice Choir participated in the service which received positive feedback from the RUC family representatives who included the RUC GC Widows Association and RUC GC Bereaved Families Association.
Also read about “Sell-out crowd pays its respects to the service and sacrifice of the Royal Ulster Constabulary“
