Sir, Patrick D Goggin (December 15th) says we hear a lot about the relatives of the 2,000 who "came out" for the 1916 Rising but very little about the relatives of the 200,000 who followed Redmond's call to fight for Home Rule in the first World War. One wonders just where Mr Goggin has been the last three decades? Claims that the Irish State has displayed a national amnesia towards those Irish who fought in British uniform in the Great War are without basis.
In March 2011 former president Mary McAleese delivered a speech at Suvla Bay, site of the 1915 Battle of Gallipoli, commemorating those Irish in British uniform who died during the invasion of Turkey. This poignant commemoration and speech by our former president reflected the emotions of the Irish nation as we remembered with dignity all those who died in that dreadful imperial conflict. Also, in 1998, in an unprecedented act of political ecumenism at Messines Ridge in Belgium, President McAleese, alongside Queen Elizabeth II, dedicated a peace tower in memory of those from the entire island of Ireland who answered Redmond’s call and never returned from Flanders. The president spoke proudly of nationalists and unionists who fought side by side in the Great War. These commemorations and dedications were an acknowledgement by the Irish State of the sacrifices these men had made and relatives of these men were represented by the government and president.
For many years now Irish society in the South has been accused of failing to honour the memory of those who were slaughtered in the Great War. Can it be that Mr Goggin is unaware that since 1986, the Sunday nearest July 11th each year has been set aside to commemorate all Irish killed in war, including those who gave their lives in both world wars? The President, Taoiseach, leaders of the Opposition and religious leaders from all the main churches are invited to attend. This is truly a national commemoration to honour those Irish who died in all conflicts, with formidable respect and dignity, and it is entirely appropriate that this National Day of Commemoration be held. – Yours, etc,
TOM COOPER,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.