Just seen this thread thanks for the welcome, I'm all embarrassed now!

I am not serving now, had to retire do to IRA ambush, but still think a united Ireland is he way to go and that we must put our past where it belongs in the past. No terrorist speak for me loyalist or republican and am raising my children to think the same way.

I love all kinds of music, play guitar badly sing worse which in combination I sometimes get my way at home. Closest I got to a lambeg drum was when I got clouted up the face with the sticks when I went too close as a child, in the right hands they are entertaining. There is a Belfast group forget their name who play all types of drums great sound shows how the two sides can gell together and shine as one unique culture.

Although I have a pop at America it is aimed at a minority of people rather than the majority of honest decent people I know them to be. The parents who have children in the armed forces who are willing to defend their way of life and the world against terrorism and prove it by putting their lives on the line get no argument from me. They have my admiration and thanks and their children have my prayers that they will be given the strength to endure and over come the challenges they face.

Thanks for the welcome!