Scottish Grand Master Ian Wilson has warned that the next few years are going to be challenging for unionists and loyalists.
"I who believe passionately in the United Kingdom and I believe that members of the Orange Order, and our families, friends and supporters will play a pivotal role in the defence of our country against the tide of nationalism," said Mr Wilson, speaki
ng in Cullybackey.
"As a loyalist and a unionist, I have spent most of my life in passionate and emotional concern for this Province and its people. For most of my life, whenever anyone has talked of a threat to the political Union that binds us all together within the United Kingdom, it has usually been in terms of Northern Ireland, the Troubles, Sinn Fein and double-dealing politicians.
"That passionate and emotional concern for Ulster has never gone away, and will never go away from the hearts and minds of your brethren and your friends and fellow loyal subjects in Scotland.
"However, on of July 12, 2008 we find ourselves assailed about on every side by the forces of nationalism. The rebels are not just in power in Stormont these days, but also in Edinburgh and even in Cardiff.
"The genie of separatism is out of the bottle and he won't go back in. I am truly worried about the future not just of this dear Province, but of the entire United Kingdom."
"These are challenging times, but there is good news. The Loyal Orange Institution is to respond with a rolling campaign to defend the Union that will pool the talent and resources of all three United Kingdom Grand Lodges.
"We shall strike alliances with other unionist bodies and individuals, and we shall argue our case in the corridors of power and in our communities. I consider that we are well capable of punching beyond our weight in a united effort to defend the things that you and I hold dear."
Mr Wilson added: "Your great celebration rally today, and all the others across the Province and all the big Orange gatherings in Scotland and England, are saying in unmistakeable terms that this great loyal fraternity supports and will defend the historic Union of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"And when we leave here today, I hope it will be with a spring in our step, proud of the things this organisation stands for. More than that, let's prepare to remind the determined forces of nationalism that the spirit of the Maiden City still burns brightly in Orange hearts today."
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