David Ford is to attend an interfaith service for all victims of the Easter Rising at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
The event will see the unveiling of a was inscribed with the names of all those who lost their lives during the Rising namely members of Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army, British Army, Dublin Metropolitan Police and Royal Irish Constabulary, as well as civilians.
Speaking about the decision, Ford said;
This memorial is inspired by the International Memorial of Notre Dame de Lorette in France, which records names from all sides of the First World War battlefields in alphabetical order without any distinction of nationality, rank or religion.
To do so with those who died in the Easter Rising shows a mature, respectful way to commemorate the events of Easter 1916. It is vital we explore the consequences of violence and do not seek to glorify it.
Alliance recognises the importance of the decade of centenaries and we have considered all invitations to events on an individual basis. The centenaries have an important place, given we must all respect and learn from history. Our attendance at commemorative events which uphold the principles of reconciliation and building a shared future reflects that.
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
Discover more from Slugger O'Toole
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
