The flag’s lessons
The story of our National Flag is one of idealism and possibility and we should honour those ideals, says Mary Keane, President of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD)
The success of the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation in promoting pride in and respect for the national flag has been remarkable. What makes us what we are? What sets us apart as a nation? One of the key aspects of our culture in the past has been the Irish welcome – the “I’ll put the kettle on” moment to make people feel at home. In the days of the Celtic Tiger Ireland played host to thousands of individuals and families who were keen to make their future by settling in Ireland. National and local media widely cover citizenship ceremonies and the excitement on the day is palpable. People expressing their thanks to the people for making them feel at home, for the kindness they’ve been shown, for the welcome they’ve received. Newcomers to our shores who are resilient, confident in the future that Ireland offers and willing to work to make the country greater and thus improve our and their quality of life..
Thomas Meagher packed so much into his short life, a life characterised by idealism and possibility. Today many of our school pupils participate in school visits overseas. Such is the ease of air transport now that we take it in our stride. When Thomas Francis Meagher visited Paris in 1848 to study the consequences of the French Revolution, he was there following considerable upheaval and revolution throughout Europe. Although he was inspired by the clamour for liberté, egalité and fraternité his vision was to try to achieve this through peaceful means – hence his view of the flag as a symbol of peace. This idealism and possibility is mirrored in our young people and newcomers. Unfortunately in many countries throughout Europe newcomers don’t feel welcomed and accepted. There can be an ugly racist commentary from right wing elements anxious to promote what we have we hold, you have no right to take our jobs, our homes, our welfare, we’re not sharing and we’re certainly not for turning because you’re not welcome here. This attitude is self-destructing for any society and has led to a massive investment by the European Union in programmes to encourage active citizenship and participation in events to promote labour activation measures among young people who feel disillusioned and disenfranchised. These programmes are designed to encourage a sense of belonging and develop a sense of community, particularly a sense of a wider community with cooperation and collaboration at its heart. We have that in Ireland where our schools play an important role in promoting active citizenship through Civic Social & Political Education (CSPE) at Junior Cycle and the new subject Politics and Society at Senior Cycle.
The GPO is one of the greatest symbols of our nation. The opening of the Irish flag exhibition at the GPO Witness History visitor centre is an endorsement of the ideals of Thomas Frances Meagher to promote peace and reconciliation but we must never take them for granted. As a society we need to teach them, to explore them and to live them.