The National Day of Commemoration honoured Irish men and women who died in past wars or in service with the United Nations yesterday.The commemoration at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham was led by the President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
Opening the ceremony, the Taoiseach said: "It is fitting that we remember here today that all those Irish men and Irish women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations."
The ceremony began with an inter-denominational prayer service, including Dr Ali Qirbi from the Islamic Cultural Centre and Dr Yaakov Pearlman, the Chief Rabbi of Ireland.
The Rev Donaldson R. Rodgers, from the Dublin Methodist Synod, said: "As we remember those who have died in situations of conflict, so we also pledge ourselves to the path of peace."
The Rev Alan G. Mitchell said: "We pray for this country, institutions and Government in these days of international tension and potential terrorist threat."
The inter-denominational prayer service also included the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev John R.W. Neill, and the Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Dr Raymond Field.
On his arrival, the Taoiseach was met with a Captain's Guard of Honour drawn from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, based in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin.
The President was escorted to the Royal Hospital by a cavalry escort drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron in Cathal Brugha, commanded by Capt Liam Toland.
The President was greeted by the Chief of Staff, Brig Gen James Sreenan, and the general officer commanding, Second Eastern Brigade, Brig Gen Gerard McNamara.
The large attendance included a number of members of the Cabinet, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen; the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith; the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Cullen; the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan; and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Mr Dermot Ahern.
The leader of Fine Gael, Mr Enda Kenny, was also in attendance, as were senior members of the judiciary, members of the Council of State and former taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald.
