Remembering the Fallen Dead

Tomorrow marks the 90th Anniversary of the ending of the First World War. As I stated last year in a similar post, in remembering our fallen dead, we acknowledge the contributions that Irish men and women, of all political persuasions have contributed to the turbulent history of our little island.

Saturday just gone saw the opening of the new national monument on Merrion Square (see below for pictures of it).  It is the shape of a pyramid, which protects the eternal flame inside the capsule. The Monument is made of four materials – stone, steel, bronze, and glass – and signifies each of the arms of the Irish Defence Forces.

It is a sign that perhaps we are moving along as a nation in marking the death of those who gave their lives in the cause of armed conflict. It is right to remember. It is not right, however to dwell. In dwelling, we remain caught in the moment of the past and are unwilling to move forward. Lessons from the past must be used to move forward the world and learn from those mistakes; This  is the only way to truly honour our dead.

To My Brother

Give me your hand, my brother, search my face;
Look in these eyes lest I should think of shame;
For we have made an end of all things base.
We are returning by the road we came.

Your lot is with the ghosts of soldiers dead,
And I am in the field where men must fight.
But in the gloom I see your laurell’d head
And through your victory I shall win the light.

S.Sassoon