Irishmen and Irishwomen who have died in past wars and on service with the United Nations on peacekeeping missions will be honoured at a ceremony at NUI Galway at 11am on Sunday July 10.
The ceremony taking place in the quadrangle of the university is marking the National Day of Commemoration and is organised by Galway City council in association with the Irish Defence Forces.
Galway City council's communication officer says; "This is the regional ceremony of the National Day of Commemoration. There will be a guard of honour drawn from the Army based at Renmore Barracks. During the course of the ceremony, there will be a wreath laying, the national flag will be lowered to half mast, and the Last Post and the national anthem will be played and reveille will be sounded at the end."
The deputy mayor Pearce Flannery and city councillors will be present at the ceremony taking part in a procession with NUI Galway president James Browne, with Cllr Flannery reading a poem linked with the Easter Rising celebrating the centenary of 1916. The Catholic Church, denominations of the Protestant church and members of the Muslim faith will be in attendance as well.
McMahon says, "There is a multi faith element to the proceedings with the Catholic Church, denominations of the Protestant Church, and the Muslim faith being represented. Members of each shall give short readings. St Patrick's Brass band will be playing and local tenor Frank Naughton will be singing so it is a wonderful combination of readings and singing throughout the ceremony."
The ceremony will be open for the public to attend. McMahon says, "Although it is happening in the quadrangle at NUI Galway, commencing at 11am, it is very much open to the public. Any member of the public who wishes to attend, anyone who has an association in any way with the Defence Forces or any other Forces are more than welcome to be present. In the past we have had members of the Australian Forces come and the UN Veterans Association will be present."
