No Surrender

 

No surrender. Two simple words spoken by the Derry Garrison over 300 years ago. Yet they still remain just as powerful to this date, and have been embodied by the citizens of Northern Ireland, no matter the group they identify with. You can find those two words posted within Derry, including just outside the wall on a placard. Or scattered throughout the Siege Museum located inside the walls.

Throughout the Siege Museum you can find the words “No Surrender” all over. On the walls, on portraits, even on multiple items within the gift shop. This saying has been embodied by the population and is even being used for monetary gain by throwing it onto apparel and other personal belongings such as wallets or knick-knacks.

Those words that became famous in 1689, have remained a cornerstone in Northern Ireland to this date. With the seemingly never ending conflict still taking place, you can see “No Surrender” as a way of life. Both sides have refused to back down for hundreds of years, costing them an immense amount of casualties and pain along the way.

“No Surrender” has turned into a lifestyle for these people, however, some form of “surrender” may be necessary in order to one day have a United Ireland. Neither side willing to cede and give way to the other group. The closest any side has come to any sort of deal was The Good Friday Agreement  in 1998, unfortunately conflict has remained even after this agreement. With Brexit quickly approaching, the world will be watching to see if Northern Ireland turns its attention to reuniting with the rest of their Irish kin and the Republic of Ireland.