BELFAST RB BOOKLET 2020 - Flipbook - Page 27
Ci t y of Belf ast Grand Bl ack Chapt er - Dem onst rat i on Bookl et 2020
It is hard to imagine a more noble conflict
that Britain has ever been involved in, and
in many respects and without a doubt it
really was Britain’s finest hour in terms of
its contribution to world history.
Taking the oath on March 4th, 1861, in his
acceptance speech as President of the United
States of America, Abraham Lincoln quoted
these words .. 'The mystic chords of
memory, stretching from every battlefield
and patriot grave to every living heart and
hearthstone all over this broad land, will
yet swell the chorus of the Nation, when
again touched, as surely they will be, by
the better angels of our nature ".
Therefore as Christian Sir Knights of this
illustrious global Institution, VE Day is also an
apt reminder of the Biblical assessment of
human character in terms of how naturally
people sink to the more negative side of their
nature. But when properly inspired and
encouraged we must look to the Principles of
the Reformation for such motivation, to better
behaviour and of the need, and not just simply
to trust, the instincts of that human nature.
So the 75th anniversary on May 8th of this
memorable year will have surely represented
another important milestone in our history and
provide our Nation, as well as our friends and
allies around the world with a great opportunity
to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, guts, true
blue grit, courage and sheer determination of
our people, from all walks of life, who saw us
through that dark and terrifying six-year period
from 1939 to 1945.
ALONG WITH THE VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY,
THE HOLOCAUST M EMORIAL ON 27TH JANUARY,
ARE JUST TWO OF THE MORE IMPORTANT
REMINDERS OF HOW EVIL CAN SUPPURATE WHEN
NATIONS FORGET TO REMEMBER THE GREATEST
OF ALL THE GODLY COMMANDMENTS ..
'TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOUR AS OURSELVES.'
GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH
Whilst this year's processional date may have passed by the time of our Booklet launch,
however we hope our annual parade will continue to be a constant reminder of these
higher ideals and in turn, welcome fellow members of our Royal Black Fraternity to join
with No 4 Royal Black District Chapter in future years, assembling at Templemore
Avenue on the 2nd Friday in May at 7:30pm to remember this significant moment in
history. Thanking you. Sir Knight R G McDowell; District Lecturer No 4 RBDC Belfast
Clothing Manufacturers Ltd - Est. 1969
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN - 25 - AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING