This week one our youngest members took a lead in marking Armed Forces Day. In the first of a number of linked events involving the Independent Loyal Orange Institution to coincide with Armed Forces Day in Coleraine an exhibition ‘War Time with Lewis’ was hosted in the ILOI Head- Quarters, Edward Street.
The amazing collection has been amassed by Lewis, a member of our Junior Lodge. His passion for history is only matched by his knowledge of the subject. His collection and interest was inspired by the war stories and experiences of his grandfather, Tommy Elliott. We have followed his collection as it outgrew his bedroom and started to be exhibited at some of our halls and events.
Last year he led the exploration of our Twelfth field as a militarily heritage site complete with Second World War pill boxes used to protect the Bann Bridge against any Nazi invasion. His knowledge was impressive and inspired our Portglenone District to explore this important aspect of their own history.
As an Institution we have a long and proud association with our Armed Forces with many members serving in all the Forces locally and in many theatres of war across the globe. Lewis embodies that link as he finds the time not only to pursue his studies but also to play a vital role in our own Institution, Dunaghy Flute Band as well as the local Army Cadet Force.
This weekend will see him busy with all three organisations and we could not be more proud and pleased. Often the past is a very distant land for young people, their experience of history at school doesn’t inspire them and the have little appetite to visit the past. Lewis reverses this trend making the past interesting and coming to life.
The impressive range of military artefacts, have taken years and a considerable investment to secure. He has literally preserved the past with many important artefacts secured for the future. However his collection is not a dusty museum its a living hands on exhibition where the past comes to life.
Despite a busy Saturday at Armed Forces Day he has agreed to open the exhibition for a second day on Saturday prior to the ILOI Ballymoney District Somme parade. Come and learn about the past and the service and sacrifice of those who gave their today so that we have a tomorrow.
We are pleased to see Lewis and his family receiving the civic and community recognition they deserve. We add our congratulations and support to others and look forward to our Armed Forces weekend.
