The former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen, has spoken of the “deep sense of gratitude” and the “shared responsibility to remember” that he felt having taken part in today’s National Day of Commemoration, which was held in Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
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‘Deep sense of gratitude’ felt at annual remembrance service
The equivalent of the UK’s Remembrance Sunday in November, since 1986 on the closest Sunday to 11 July, the Republic of Ireland remembers all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars, or on military service with the United Nations, and other international organisations in the service of peace. The 11 July is a significant date as it was the day in 1921 that the truce was signed that ended the Irish War of Independence.
Representing PCI’s current Moderator, Dr Richard Kerr, during the commemoration Dr McMullen prayed during an act of Christian of worship before taking part in a joint blessing with other church leaders that was given at its conclusion.
Speaking after the event, Dr McMullen said:
“It was an absolute honour to represent Irish Presbyterians once again at this significant act of national remembrance. Having done so in 2018, when I served as Moderator, I felt that there is always something comforting in the familiar. But then as now, I experienced a deep sense of gratitude for those who had served in both World Wars, and continue to serve in the Irish Defence Forces around the world with the UN. I also felt that we all have a shared responsibility to remember those who served, those who did not return, and the brokenness of our humanity so often leads to conflict.
“Sacrifice always comes at a price. There is often a personal cost to putting on a uniform, a cost often carried in the pain and loss of loved ones left behind to grieve. Many families know the constant ache of the empty chair at the table, which is why I believe that it is important to remember, as it expresses community, solidarity, heartfelt gratitude, and the deep prayer that history need not repeat itself.
“It is also why I prayed this morning: ‘Lord God, may we be peacemakers...’ and while we also remembered those from Ireland who have been killed on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations, people of faith and, indeed of no faith at all, can be peacemakers and reconcilers, wherever we live.”
On this, the 40th anniversary of the first Commemoration, the main act if remembrance took place in Dublin. Other local commemorations took place in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford. Following the laying of a wreath by the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, in memory of those who died, a minute’s silence was observed. Having been elected last year, this was the first time that President Connolly had led the nation in remembrance.
The event also saw the participation of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and was attended by other senior political and civic representatives, including members of the Government, members of the Oireachtas, the Council of State, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Judiciary. Representatives of the next-of-kin of those who died in past wars or on UN service, other international organisations in the service of peace, ex-servicemen's organisations, as well as relatives of the 1916 Leaders, were also invited.
Dr McMullen, who is also President of the Irish Council of Churches, concluded by saying:
“For those who did not return, we remember and honour their memory. As we do so, we also honour those who also served and continue to serve. It was a pleasure to meet folk who had served in the Irish Defence Forces, and those from Ireland who had served in the British armed forces. It was quite emotional, and spoke to me of the inclusiveness of this important event.”
Dr McMullen’s prayer at the National Day of Commemoration
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
Almighty God, we have turned our backs on you, preferring war to peace, seeing others as enemies rather than friends, reinforcing stereotypes rather than celebrating our common humanity.
“Today we confess before you our pride and selfishness, all that leads to violence and the suffering of countless millions. Examine our own hearts and remove all bitterness, partisan attitudes and the sectarian hatred that locks us into ever downward spirals.
“Help us in these moments of reflection to look to you and the healing, reconciling power of your love. All the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe - people and things, animals and atoms - get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of your death, your blood that flowed down from the cross.
“Lord God, may we be peacemakers, as belonging to you, we speak your words and walk in your ways, reaching out to others with the hand of friendship. We pray in the Name of the King of Love and Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen."
The 2018 General Assembly clarified the position of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland with regards to the denomination's participation in multi-faith civic events. You can read the position of the Church here.