HAI Operations Manager Niamh Clowry delivered a beautiful humanist reflection, representing the secular people of Ireland at the annual National Day of Commemoration Ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin on Sunday 13th July. This beautiful event is held in honour of all Irish men and Irish women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations and other organisations in the service of peace
The event was attended by President Catherine Connolly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other members of the Government, as well as many representatives of various faith-based and secular groups, and ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen.
An t-Úachtarán Connolly laid a wreath in memory of those who have died, and the ceremony included the raising of the national flag and the observance of a minute’s silence.
The HAI is honoured to represent the secular community of Ireland at these national events.
The Humanist Reflection
As we gather today to remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout our history, we also reflect on the courage and resilience that helped shaped our nation.
The men and women we commemorate today displayed an intense bravery, sense of duty and belief in their communities and their country. Their spirit and memory remain forever with us.
Humanism teaches 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.
Let us take inspiration from the past to guide us in shaping a better future. Let us stand together, united in our diversity, and work tirelessly to build a society where compassion, empathy, and solidarity are not just words, but the guiding principles of our actions.
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.
HAI celebrant Patrick Cassidy also represented the HAI at the Annual National Day of Commemoration Regional Ceremony in Kilkenny Castle. Patrick delivered a beautiful and inclusive humanist reflection where he highlighted how the day stands “as a testament to how our now century old nation has embraced inclusivity. The ceremony is deliberately non-political and multi faith, encompassing Christian, multi religious and Humanist traditions, so that we may honour every Irish person who served, regardless of uniform or allegiance. In doing so, we recognise the complex tapestry of our history and reaffirm our commitment to working together for peace”.