February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The rising broke out on April 24 that year, Easter being late in 1916 just as it was very early this year.
But the marking of the day falls annually on Easter Monday.
And we are glad indeed to see that it is being marked after years of some uncertainty with regard to the precise standing of the men and women of 1916 in the eyes of what might be called official Ireland.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was outside the General Post Office with Mary McAleese Monday as were a number of government ministers and politicians from various parties.
This year’s gathering was notable for the presence of Martin McGuinness in his official capacity as First Deputy Minister for Northern Ireland, a part of the island which those who fought and died in Dublin all those years ago had no concept of.
There was a military aspect to Monday’s commemoration with over 300 officers and soldiers of the Irish defense forces in attendance at the event during which the Proclamation was read by an Irish army captain.
The early years of the troubles witnessed the extraction of the military component in the commemoration. This was brought back two years ago for the 90th anniversary and it is anticipated that there will be a military presence in the years leading up to the 100th anniversary.
This, in truth, is an entirely logical element in the annual salute to the most pivotal few days in the history of twentieth century Ireland.
And we are proud to join in this salute.