National commemoration ceremony underway

A ceremony to commemorate Irish men and women who lost their lives on UN service or in past war, takes place in Dublin today.

The National Day of Commemoration will be attended by the president, the Taoiseach, and members of the defence forces.

The ceremony opens with a multi-faith service of prayer. Then President Mary McAleese will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland.

Also in attendance will be the Taoiseach, diplomats, politicians, relatives of the 1916 leaders and of course the next of kin of those who died in UN service.