A whole generation written out of our history
Irishmen, unionist and nationalist, Catholic, Protestant and dissenter, spilled their blood in the Allied cause, the Irish cause, the British cause and a myriad of other causes. Whatever the cause, they fought for you and me.
The unionists seem to remember the 36th (Ulster) Division only. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, the charitable donations from which go to disabled veterans and those who have fallen on hard times.
It became a British symbol, an interpretation not discouraged by many unionists. It is shameful that it is so.
In the Republic an even more shameful record has been achieved. A whole generation was wiped out for us. Never in the annals of human history did a nation intentionally and maliciously write out of history a generation of their own people who fought and died for them.
We may not like some aspects of our history, it may not suit some of our interpretations, but like it or not, we have shared traditions and shared military traditions on this island and in these islands.
It is time to face facts. We should be proud and humbled to acknowledge the memory of so many Irish soldiers who sacrificed themselves, with the encouragement of Irish politicians, for us and for our freedom.
Let us start by supporting the placing of a statue to 14-year-old Pte John Condon in Waterford the youngest Allied soldier to die in the 'war to end all wars.' To those who object because of their limited capacity to acknowledge their history, please grow up.
Capt Donal Buckley,
Irish Army (retd),
Military Heritage Tours,
Castlebar,
Co Mayo.
