Lest We Forget

For nearly a century ceremonies in Britain to remember those who fought in the First World War, and subsequently all wars, were animated by the phrase “Lest We Forget.” 

In Ireland those ceremonies provoked a response far closer to “Lest We Remember” and were, unfortunately, informed by dishonesty fuelled by politically-motivated denial. This Republic’s reluctance, until very recently, to honour the fact that something around 50,000 Irishmen fought in the war was one of its less attractive characteristics.

The annual Armistice Day remembrance ceremony will be held at the cenotaph in London tomorrow and the Irish ambassador to Britain Dan Mulhall will participate. It is entirely right, and over-due, that this independent country should be so represented.