Pride of the nation: Dublin could not have looked better for the 1916 Commemoration

There were a number of times in our recent history when we could stand up tall and say we were proud to be Irish - and today's events just jumped straight to the top of that list.

As a state ceremony took place outside the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell street, as well as many other events across the country, hundreds of thousands of people flooded the capitol to pay their respects to the fallen of the 1916 Rising.

From the skies, Dublin looked liked the most beautiful place in the world.

Views from above O'Connell Bridge #ireland2016 #ANationsVoice #EasterRising pic.twitter.com/9vCrgUEmsX

— Edel Creely (@edelcreely) March 27, 2016

The GPO from the air thanks to Garda Air Support. #Ireland2016 pic.twitter.com/uKkeCznPDI

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) March 27, 2016

#Ireland2016 military parade #Dublin pic.twitter.com/4snAFZfWvN

— noel toolan (@noeltoolan) March 27, 2016

We should take this time and spare a thought for this poor soldier who has now sparked a new meme.

"Great craic here lads. Some fella in a big car just arrived. I'm on the what? Seriously!?" pic.twitter.com/vBTqyikewN

— Tom Hackett 🤪 (@tweatycity) March 27, 2016

Look at this @defenceforces chap on the phone. His mam's going to box him, even though it was probs her. #rte1916 pic.twitter.com/nj1QP77LBi

— Féasógcrann (@johndavidoc) March 27, 2016

The ceremony outside the GPO was so sombre and moving and with music from the Army No 1 Band it was hard not to feel the national pride.

The Army No.1 band plays 'Mise Eire' #rte1916https://t.co/LXIWgP5hQH

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 27, 2016

Wreath laying at #GPO #Ireland2016 #1916LIVE pic.twitter.com/IVEAYTnLtm

— Century Ireland (@CenturyIRL) March 27, 2016

The Army No. 1 Band performs 'Danny Boy' #rte1916https://t.co/tpO2akv1EJ

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 27, 2016

Capt Kelleher frm Douglas, Cork, whose family were in flying columns during W of I, reads Proclamation @ireland2016 pic.twitter.com/Yz41rfsnYt

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) March 27, 2016

National flag is hoisted to full mast above the GPO. Amhrán na bhFiann plays. #rte1916https://t.co/FMl8j3lR7d

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 27, 2016

Of course, for many, the fly over by the Irish Air Corps was one of the big highlights of the day.

Flyover! #EasterRising #Dublin1916 pic.twitter.com/gGOEWIv76m

— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) March 27, 2016

Flypast #rte1916 pic.twitter.com/cfnJEDMHfh

— Philip Bromwell (@philipbromwell) March 27, 2016

And who doesn't love a good parade?