PRESS STATEMENT
Alex Easton MP – Member of Parliament for North Down
Following a recent visit to the RUC GC Foundation Memorial Garden, Alex Easton MP has called for schools across Northern Ireland to be encouraged to organise educational visits to the site, and for such visits to be considered as part of the school curriculum.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Easton said:
“The RUC GC Foundation Memorial Garden is a deeply moving and dignified place of remembrance. It stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of protecting our community and upholding the rule of law.
Visiting the Garden brings home the reality of the sustained terrorist campaign that was carried out over many years, and the courage shown by those who stood between innocent people and those who sought to do harm.
I believe it is vitally important that our young people understand this part of our history. That is why I am calling on the Department of Education to write to every school across Northern Ireland, encouraging them to consider visits to the RUC GC Foundation Memorial Garden, and to explore how such visits can be incorporated into the curriculum as part of a ‘living history’ approach.
This would provide a valuable educational experience for pupils — allowing them to see, hear and understand the real stories behind the past, rather than simply reading about it in textbooks.
It is important that future generations are aware of the sacrifices made by those who served, and the price that was paid to protect our society. Embedding this within the curriculum would help ensure these lessons are properly understood and never forgotten.”
Mr Easton added:
“This is about education, remembrance, and ensuring that young people have a balanced and informed understanding of our past. The RUC GC Foundation Memorial Garden provides an appropriate and respectful setting for that learning to take place.”
Mr Easton has written to the Education Minister outlining this proposal and is seeking support for the initiative.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
