"Nearly half a million people either take part in the Twelfth parades or watch them. This is an amazing figure and a sign that the Orange Institution is alive and well, supported by a huge number of people.

There cannot be any other organisation in this country that can bring half a million people unto the streets in such a wonderful spectacle," said Mr Saulters, who welcomed interest by the tourist authorities in the Twelfth.

"People are coming from all over the world to see our parades and enjoy our culture. We believe that cultural tourism can help boost the Northern Ireland economy and benefit all sections of the community.

Thousands of people make the trip here to enjoy our events. Many thousands plan their annual visits home so that they can enjoy the colour and the sound of the Twelfth," he added.

"We have a rich and historic culture and we must not allow it to be diluted in any way. We should hold our heads high and have the confidence to say that we are Orangemen and Orangewomen and proud of it and proud of our Reformed faith."

He also said loyalty to the Queen and the British Monarchy was also important to those of the Orange tradition.

Mr Saulters recalled that this year was the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in 1918 after the First World War and he spoke of the present-day gallant service of Ulster soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We pray for the safe return of our armed forces from wherever they are in the world. We also think especially of the Royal Irish Regiment who signed up for duties in our own land during that terrible conflict by the IRA terrorists.

We remember all those who gave their lives for the protection of their neighbours, their homeland and civilisation.

"It is sickening to us, following such dastardly attacks on our people for 35 years, to see those belonging to that enemy sitting in government today acting as politicians who care for the peaceful existence of the people.

"They are even accepted as 'diplomats' to foreign countries and advise on peace talks. But, there is no one better experienced than those who were at the helm during that time of murder and mayhem."

Mr Saulters said the Union remained in the best interests of everyone and he noted that the Grand Lodge of Scotland had organised parades and conferences, with full support from lodges in Ireland and England, against the idea of breaking up the Union.

"As the European Union has expanded, so national sovereignty has been eroded. Many of our laws are made not at Westminster, but in Brussels. Modern Europe focuses on regionalism, rather states.

"Shamefully, our Prime Minister Gordon Brown reneged on his promise to give the British people a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, unlike what happened in the Republic of Ireland."

Mr Saulters again called for the disbandment of the Parades Commission, whose work he said was a "scandal".

He added: "Last week a warning was received from the PSNI that security was being stepped up on buildings because of threats from certain quarters. They requested extra vigilance on our Orange halls.
"If the PSNI know that much, surely they must know where the threats are from and they should be dealt with.

"We have had a large number of attacks on our halls, north and south, and the republican threats are still there. One has to ask where is the deterrent when the perpetrators are apprehended."

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