We must reclaim our national flag for 1916 Centenary – O’Donovan

Mar 21, 2016

Limerick Fine Gael TD, Patrick O’Donovan has called on individuals, community groups and businesses, to reclaim our national flag, as thousands of students across the State did last week, to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising.”

“We have a long tradition here of hanging out club and county colours with great pride in the run up to our local and national sporting occasions to show our allegiance and support, and I believe we should all now use that tradition in this very special period on our history as we prepare is week to commemorate the 1916 Rising.

“In the United States of America and elsewhere, there is a long standing tradition of displaying their national flag to mark special events including the 4th of July. However here in Ireland we haven’t embraced our national flag in the same way. This may be due to the fact that for parts of our recent history, our flag was abused by a small minority of people, who turned a symbol of unity and hope into a symbol of sectarianism and division.

“When our national flag was first flown in 1848 it was then, and ever since, referred to as a flag of unity, respect and peace. The green nationalist Catholic tradition was united with the orange Unionist Protestant tradition across a white band of peace. That hope for unity of difference and of respect for others, with an aspiration of peace is as relevant in the Ireland of 2016 as it was when Thomas Francis Meagher first flew the flag in Waterford one hundred and sixty eight years ago.”

Patrick O’Donovan paid tribute to the teachers across the country who led ceremonies, which were in many cases open to the community, to celebrate and honour the flag.

“It is important for the next generation to see our flag as one for all the people of the country, regardless of their background, and not the property of one political grouping.

“In this, the centenary year of 1916, I would hope that groups and individuals would display the flag with pride from their homes, properties, and places of work, recognising what the flag stands for, and remembering in a dignified way the sacrifices of those who took the early steps in our quest for Independence one hundred years ago.

“The school children of Ireland have led the way, setting an example for the rest of us, to follow the words of George Bernard Shaw and hang out our brightest colours.”

 

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