In 2016 I had the honor and privilege of being in (London)Derry for a day of moving and thought-provoking reenactments commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising…
I admit that I attended with a bit of trepidation, fearing the event might not be well received by those who hold strong loyalist sentiments (wishing for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom). It turns out that the entire commemoration took place with absolute reverence and peace.
History of The Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an armed insurrection lead by Irish Republicans in Dublin in April 1916 with the aim of establishing an Irish Republic independent of British colonial rule.
While the uprising was quickly put down by the greater numbers and heavier weapons of the British Army, the eventual internment of 1,800 people and execution of sixteen of the Rising’s leaders contributed to growing support for Irish independence.
Of the 485 people killed, 260 were civilians, 143 were British military and police personnel, and 82 were Irish rebels. Many of the civilians were killed by British artillery or caught in the crossfire between the British forces and the rebels.
While much of Ireland (today’s Republic of Ireland) eventually gained independence from the British Commonwealth in 1949, Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom to this day.
Photo Essay of The Easter Rising Reenactment
Reading of the Proclamation…
Please take a moment to read the courageous and inspiring 1916 Proclamation for yourself…
Seizing of government buildings and raising of the Irish flag…
British troops mustering to put down the rebellion…
Smoke rising from mock street battles as occurred in Dublin and elsewhere…
Irish Republican lamenting the eventual “failure” of the Rising…
Mock execution of the freedom fighters…
As I stood in the crowd watching the mock executions, I was struck by the innocence of this precious little girl…
And wondered…
What is she thinking and feeling? What is the life experience of her elders? And what will her elders teach her about their life experiences, their understanding of the history, and their notions of ethnicity, class, religion, patriotism, nationalism, and the importance of reconciliation and peace-making?
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I’m sure this seems stupid, but having watched the entirety of the TV series the Derry Girls, Londonderry holds a special place in my heart. If you haven’t watched it, please do. Learning about the Easter Rising adds another layer to the emotional rollercoaster of the characters. Thanks for posting this. Now I want to watch the series again.
Not stupid in the least, Jeff. For your comment inspired me to do two things:
1. Watch the whole first season of Derry Girls (looking forward to seasons two and three as well). Until now, I’d never heard of this remarkable series which brilliantly couches such heavy topics as “The Troubles” and teenage angst at the time in the most exquisitely laugh out loud humor. Plenty of cause to laugh, cry, and hope.
2. To post a photo essay from some of my travels to Derry (Londonderry), which holds a very special place in my heart: https://wp.me/p2Yy0l-7XD
Thanks again for the inspiration, old friend.