MAJOR (Ret'd) John Marshall (Jack) Dunlop has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to cross-Border peace building and the community in Co. Fermanagh.

Speaking to this newspaper, Major Dunlop said: "I am very humbled and delighted to receive this award on behalf of the many associations I have been privileged to be part of."

Major Dunlop enjoyed a long military career before his retirement from the army. He was then appointed as curator of The Inniskillings Regimental Museum at Enniskillen Castle for almost 15 years, before he finally fully retired.

He has been involved in many organisations over the years and has also been active in ex-veteran associations in Fermanagh.

Major Dunlop has been involved in community projects, which include "adding to and improving war memorials in towns around the county, and with the erection of The Ulster History Circle blue plaques for servicemen who had received the Victoria Cross in military service for The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers".

One major commemoration that Major Dunlop was involved with was the marking of the centenary of World War One.

He said: "I was involved in arranging various parades and church services at St. Macartin's Cathedral."

Of his cross-Border peace building efforts, he said: "One of the associations that I am involved in had a close bond with the Cavan Interfaith Community Group, which was a cross-Border organisation where we met up and talked to each other.

"We completed various projects and visits together and explored each other's histories."

A highlight of this period was when he had the privilege of meeting Queen Elizabeth in St. Michael's Church during her visit to Enniskillen.

Major Dunlop is looking forward to receiving his honour in person. He modestly added: "I have always believed in putting something back into life, and feel a little guilty in receiving an accolade for something I have very much enjoyed doing."