RANT TIME :-) Its been a while, but here goes..... In case yall havent noticed, the centenary of WWI has arrived and it seems that Ireland and Britain is going WWI commemoration crazy for next few years, here in Ireland there will be probably be a commemoration of Pearses oration at ODonovan Rossas grave; 1916 Rising; Return of Sinn Fein prisoners from Frongoch; Armistice Day and on into Irish War of Independence and Civil War. Fair enough if that what the people want and if Mrs Merk (oops sorry,) I meant Irish government has the money..FAIR ENOUGH. My problem is this; for the last four years the 150th anniversary of WBTS has been on-going in the US and there have even been things happening in Britain and a few in mainland Europe, yet here in Ireland this event HAS BEEN COMPLETELY IGNORED by the Irish government and particularly the Minister for Heritage, Culture etc, etc or what ever title has been conferred on him this week.(Deenihan has been replaced..THANK GOD.) Every letter or email I sent, and trust me there were a great many received a standard reply or were ignored; phone calls were not returned or I was placed on hold for so long I had to hang up!!! I know Damian Shiels got similar responses. Shame on this government and previous administrations for ignoring this part of Irish History. Over 200,000 Irishmen fought in America between 1861-1865, the heroism of these men, both North and South, helped greatly the change in American attitudes to the Irish. Some of these returned to Ireland, became involved in the Fenian movement and died here, but where are their graves and where is THEIR MONUMENT, Minister??? We have money and grants being thrown at festivals all across this land but the Irishmen of 1861-1865 are forgotten and deemed unworthy of such sums. Instead it is up to the Living Historians, like myself & La Dona, authors like Damian and countless other enthusiasts to remember them. To the government department: I HAVENT GONE AWAY!!!! Good Night and God Bless. Liam McAlister Irish in Blue and Gray
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:40:02 +0000
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