Support from public overwhelming – RIR
I think we've been surprised in a lot of different ways with the homecoming we have received.
It has been the most fantastic expression of public support and I am overwhelmed.
It's difficult to capture in words but this parade has been such an emotional experience and it has been been a warm, personal, humane expression of support for the soldiers who are asked by their country to do difficult tasks.
This is extremely important for the soldiers.
To adjust from an operational high where daily you face a threat on your life to going back into normal military soldiering or even just to rejoin your family is very difficult.
When deployed, you are unaware of the degree of support or indeed opposition of the general public – it is not well captured by the media.
To see it today means a lot to the soldiers.
It means that what they have been doing is appreciated because it is so rarely expressed in such a manner as has been seen here by the tens of thousands on the streets of Belfast.
That will sustain the soldiers – not just in this difficult period of adjustment back to normal life but as they transition through a military career, being asked again and again by the Government to do difficult tasks.
This welcome says that the people of Northern Ireland are extraordinary in their support for the services.
I think they always have been but because of Troubles it had, in the past, been difficult for us to see that.
That is what is lovely about the progress that's been made in Northern Ireland in terms of cross-community relations – the fact that this can take place.
It hasn't been an expression of triumphalism or provoking another element of the community.
I am a Catholic myself, as are many of my officers, warrant officers and soldiers.
That is not the issue to be focusing on.
It's about the unified effort of Irish infantry down the ages, continuing to serve in an incredibly brave, professional and disciplined manner.
In Shropshire, where we are based, we received a great welcome.
Market Drayton is a small county town and with their heart they expressed similar warmth but on a different scale.
Shrewsbury held a beautiful Abbey service for us and the support as we marched through was of a similar nature.
But Belfast, if I'm honest, has put this on a different scale.
It has surpassed all our expectations and most of us will find it difficult to put it into words.
All I hope to do is thank the people of Northern Ireland for coming out in such numbers and behaving in such a dignified manner to salute and acknowledge the service of the men and women of the Royal Irish battlegroup.
l To see more of Lt Col Freely meeting members of the public, watch the video online at www.newsletter.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
