July 12th Parade

On July 12th we went to downtown Belfast for the parade. Here's King "Billy" William.....

There were lots of people, thousands marching for the LOL.....Loyal Orange Lodge........Men, women and children joined the march.

Every lodge has a band. Pipes, flutes, drums. They all pretty much sound the same.....

Lots of banners and sashes.....

Drums........

More drums and flutes......

These little guys were pretty serious about throwing their batons.......

More Banners..........

American Flag!!!!

Several bands were from Scotland.......

More little guys........

This was a change, women with accordions!

More marchin.......

Check out the tattoos....very common over here.....there were also several guys with fresh black eyes and scuffed up faces, broken arms.....maybe fighting at the bonfires the night before?????

This is pretty serious stuff. We were surprised that there were not more people watching the parade. After asking around, we learned that many of the locals don't really support it and it has not always been a safe place to be.......

We enjoyed being with our fellow senior missionaries and it was good to see the parade since we were here, although it's sad to think of all the fighting that has gone on in this country for so many years and the parade is really just for one side......we wish they could find something to celebrate together!!!!