Solidarity remains our greatest strength

HISTORY’S deepest resonances often become part of the past far too quickly. 

In our restless determination to reach the next horizon we may not always absorb all of the lessons even the recent past offers. In a decade garlanded with centenary celebrations, national and international, it may seem premature to remember the lessons offered by an event that occurred as recently as 75 years ago. But, as we all know, it is never too early, or too late, to learn.

Seventy-five years ago may seem a different age and almost antediluvian if you’re not yet 20 years old, but it’s not. It’s within living memory and is still a central part of the lives of those who endured it. President Michael D Higgins had just been born, Gay Byrne was in school and Edna O’Brien was almost a teenager. Muhammad Ali was born six months later, Bruce Springsteen a few years later. It may be edging towards the fringe of our consciousness but it is utterly relevant and a central influence in our world today.