7.4 (1) Commemoration or celebration? Mood as to how a state reflects on the legacy of 1916 Contentiously the commemoration events of 1916 will be viewed by some as a celebration of the founding of the Irish state and by others as a commemoration of 16 men who were martyred in the name of the country. Therefore to commemorate or celebrate the events can be divisive. Respondents were asked if there should be a or celebration’. 28 of 34 who returned ‘commemoration surveys stated they wished to commemorate the event. 2 said both commemoration and celebration, 3 said celebration and 1 unanswered. When asked how as a nation Ireland should remember the events of 1916 and what core themes should run through a commemoration or celebration some stated political, sacrifice in 1916, independence in 1921 and remembrance themes should be central whilst also symbolism must be evident. Others stated there was business the Free State “Unfinished – which is the 26 counties has left behind 6 counties in the north of Ireland known as Northern Ireland” and Irish dead in the First World War should be remembered. Others felt that large civic events should be if possible’ and individuals could commemorate they wish’ whilst some were ‘historical ‘as cautious about the date and stated it should be commemorated Others suggested that ‘carefully’. ‘we should celebrate becoming a nation it’s not complicated really we can celebrate becoming a nation without emphasising and losers’ (Reference to Dan Mulhall talk) and they were to be ‘winners ‘proud Irish and would like to see a respectful and joyful celebration at the birth of our nation’. Others stated that historical accuracy should be central stating events faithful to their historical ‘remembering context’. Others stated a of community’ should be a core theme for the events, whilst wider ‘sense themes that discussed Irish achievements across the last 100 years which would place past alongside present such as survival, economic successes, literature and culture’. Others sought ‘independence, an impartial view on the reasons for the Rising, what was good and what was not so good ‘balanced under British rule’ and to the foundation of Ireland as it is today’. ‘celebrate
7.4 (1) Commemoration or celebration? Mood as to how a state reflects on the legacy of 1916 Contentiously the commemoration events of 1916 will be viewed by some as a celebration of the founding of the Irish state and by others as a commemoration of 16 men who were martyred in the name of the country. Therefore to commemorate or celebrate the events can be divisive. Respondents were asked if there should be a ‘commemoration or celebration’. 28 of 34 who returned surveys stated they wished to commemorate the event. 2 said both commemoration and celebration, 3 said celebration and 1 unanswered. When asked how as a nation Ireland should remember the events of 1916 and what core themes should run through a commemoration or celebration some stated political, sacrifice in 1916, independence in 1921 and remembrance themes should be central whilst also symbolism must be evident. Others stated there was “Unfinished business – the Free State which is the 26 counties has left behind 6 counties in the north of Ireland known as Northern Ireland” and Irish dead in the First World War should be remembered. Others felt that large civic events should be ‘historical if possible’ and individuals could commemorate ‘as they wish’ whilst some were cautious about the date and stated it should be commemorated ‘carefully’. Others suggested that ‘we should celebrate becoming a nation it’s not complicated really we can celebrate becoming a nation without emphasising ‘winners and losers’ (Reference to Dan Mulhall talk) and they were ‘proud to be Irish and would like to see a respectful and joyful celebration at the birth of our nation’. Others stated that historical accuracy should be central stating ‘remembering events faithful to their historical context’. Others stated a ‘sense of community’ should be a core theme for the events, whilst wider themes that discussed Irish achievements across the last 100 years which would place past alongside present such as ‘independence, survival, economic successes, literature and culture’. Others sought an impartial ‘balanced view on the reasons for the Rising, what was good and what was not so good under British rule’ and to ‘celebrate the foundation of Ireland as it is today’.
Decade-of-Commemorations-Leveraging-the-Past-to-Impact-on-the-Present.docx