Poppy is more than a symbol of fallen dead
ON Sunday morning I visited Rosses Point to view the damage done to a memorial cross that was placed to honour and remember all those who died at sea. It was a f orlorn sight.
Firstly, to the individual or individuals, who were involved in this act of wanton vandalism you are nothing but a clueless imbecile. If you are from our community, you represent no one and as a community we are ashamed of you.
Secondly, to the person who decided to lay poppy wreaths at the cross, maybe you can step forward and explain your actions. I understand that this cross is not a military memorial. The Cenotaph in Sligo Town has for years seen the wreath laid at it without controversy. Maybe your actions were misguided or more worrying designed to provoke a response. If the latter is the case, shame on you.
Let me be clear. I don’t particularly like seeing Irish people wearing the poppy. It saddens me and makes me a little angry. Some people who wear it claim it’s a symbol to remember those who died in two World Wars. It is. But also, much more.
The British Legion who sell and profit from poppy sales are quite clear about their works, ‘……a network of people who care about, and campaign for, Armed Forces personnel and their families during and after their Service…’. That’s explicit. They partly use their resources to help currently active British Armed Forces as they did during the conflict in the north of our Country.
My brother was killed by a British soldier in that conflict. Many other families too lost family members – Volunteers and civilians – through the actions of the British Army. That is why I am hurt when I see Irish people wear the poppy. It’s why I’m proud of someone like James McClean who takes a principled stand against the baying crowds at football grounds and the endemic poppy fascism in British public life.
However, as someone who has been involved in Peace & Reconciliation work for over fifteen years I recognise and respect the right of all people to commemorate their military dead in a way they see fitting. Many Irish people lost members of their families during the World Wars, especially the First where thousands of our young people signed up through a sense of adventurism or due to economic circumstances. So yes, it is understandable that they wish to commemorate those who died during these conflicts. And for some that means wearing a poppy.
Recognising this, makes me no less an Irish Republican committed to national unity. If we are to ever achieve a united Ireland, not just geographically, but of all seven million citizens we need to find that space where those of differing backgrounds, cultures and views have the room to celebrate their respective traditions.
I for one, alongside many other Irish Republicans will always continue to commemorate our fallen dead. We are proud of all those who struggled against the military might of the British Empire and state over many decades. That is why, every day, I wear my Easter Lily with pride and remember the words of the Proclamation. ‘ The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities of all its citizens….’. These are not just words to me, but the values I want in a true Irish Republic.
We are an Island with a complex history and if we are to move forward we need to talk about it. Let’s do that, but in a respectful and fitting manner.