R.S.O.U.'s Memorial Stone

In 1999 several members of the band decided to plan and erect a permanent memorial to all the loyalist people in Ulster. They decided on a stone with a plaque to be mounted on it.   Also a 30ft flagpole with the Union Jack flying from it was to be placed behind. After all the plans had been made and the details finalised, work began in early March. The foundations were dug and a rock selected. The band were initially going to have a marble/granite stone with an inscription upon it, but with the sheer expense of the stone along with the certain possibility of it being attacked, they decided on something simple, but respectable. After much hard work and fundraising the pole was mounted and the stone put in place. A small area around the memorial was cordoned off and stones laid. After all the work was completed, this small but significant memorial was looking well.

The memorial stone is now well maintained and in 2005 a new wall was added.   The band meet every Remembrance Sunday to lay a poppy wreath and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Unfortunately over the years the stone has come under attack from some small minded republicans from Randalstown and the surrounding area.   These attacks have ranged from "attacking the stone with a hammer", "throwing paint over the stone" and even "trying to burn the stone".   But these attacks only make the band more determined to have a dignified memorial in the estate of Neillsbrook.

Remembrance Sunday 2006.