Donaldson pays tribute to Army Soldiers
Commenting upon the end of Operation Banner, Kenny Donaldson, an Ulster Unionist Party Officer and native of
Crossmaglen, South Armagh said:
“Today marks the closing of a chapter in Northern Ireland’s history. After 38-years of, ‘Operation Banner,’ the
back-up support of British Army soldiers to the Police, the campaign has come to an end.
“Over 700 military personnel lost their lives whilst protecting the State and its’ citizens. The people of
Northern Ireland, present and future now enjoy a level of peace and prosperity which could not have been realised
but for the contribution of our ‘State guardians and protectors.’
“My thoughts have turned today to the families of those men and women who died. Their sorrow and sense of loss
will not disappear; daily they will remember their loved ones and the cruel and callous way in which they were
taken from them.”
Kenny added: “Regardless of others attempts at rewriting history, the ultimate aim of those who served within the
ranks of the British army was to bring about Peace on the streets of Northern Ireland, similar to any other
Region of the United Kingdom.
“Those who adorned a uniform and set about fulfilling the role of, ‘state and civic protector’ deserve our
recognition and heartfelt gratitude.
“Law abiding people from both of our main traditions suffered greatly over the course of the Troubles’ period and
yes, with the benefit of hindsight; tactics and actions could and perhaps, should have been different however it
must never be forgotten that the ‘State Protectors’ of our Security Services were dealing with a Republican
insurrection whose contributors practised open, guerrilla warfare.
“Ultimately however, the “terrorist” course practised by the Republican Movement was recognized to be futile,
political negotiations ensued and we have consequently arrived where we are today. The British army leave
Northern Ireland having fulfilled their ultimate objective; today we enjoy a level of Peace which was considered
impossible during the darkest days of the Troubles.
“All right thinking people hope and pray that the dark days are behind us, that Northern Ireland can build for
the future and can become a Region of strength within the United Kingdom. That is the future we must work towards
– those who died must not have done so in vain,” concluded Kenny.