Image above: Sindy Joyce (Member of Council of State), Esme Lewis (Artist) & Jillian Brennan (HAI CEO)
HAI CEO, Jillian Brennan, delivered the humanist reflection at the 2024 National Day of Commemoration in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Sunday 14th July. The event honours all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations, and it was attended by the Taoiseach and the President, who laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland.
Humanist Association of Ireland – Reflection
Today, we gather to remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout our history, and we reflect on the courage and resilience that have shaped our nation. We recall the ordinary lives interrupted by conflict and loss, each holding a unique narrative, woven with dreams, hopes, and contributions to our shared world.
Humanism teaches us that our greatest strength lies in our shared humanity. It urges us to look beyond the divisions of race, religion, or creed, and to see the common thread that weaves us together: our capacity for empathy, our ability to love, and our desire to create a better world for future generations. Today is not only a time for reflection but also a moment for gratitude – gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, recognising that they are the legacies of those who came before us. We acknowledge the diverse paths that have led us to this moment, and we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that define our nation.
In the words of the poet Maya Angelou, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
On this National Day of Commemoration, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice for all. Let us honour the past by building a future worthy of the sacrifices made, a future where peace and justice are not just ideals but lived realities.