The Orange Order organised its annual parade in Belfast city centre to remember Ulster Defence Regiment privates James Cummings and Frederick Starrett. The soldiers died on 24 February 1988 when a 200-pound IRA booby-trap bomb detonated as they secured gates on Royal Avenue near the CastleCourt shopping centre construction site.

A second IRA bomb intended for responders failed to explode. Cummings, aged 22 from Rathcoole in Newtownabbey and serving since 1986, belonged to Banner of the Cross Loyal Orange Lodge 1310. Starrett, also 22 from east Belfast and in the regiment four months, was a member of Johnston’s Golden Star Loyal Orange Lodge 1934. The lodges operate in Ballymacarrett No 6 District.

Reverend Ron Johnstone addressed attendees and told republicans they had not prevailed since the Protestant and British way of life continues. He expressed that responses to republican defences of past violence should include righteous anger.

Johnstone highlighted differences between security forces personnel who faced daily risks and IRA members who planned attacks. He cited a Belfast GAA youth tournament named after Joe Cahill, Sinn Fein praise for Brendan McFarlane, and First Minister Michelle O'Neill's view that Troubles-era violence had no alternative.

He advised against equating terrorists with security forces and encouraged reliance on divine authority. A wreath was placed at the blast location.

Orange Order Grand Master Harold Henning attended the Saturday event. The Ulster Defence Regiment provided local territorial defence during the Troubles.