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Belfast Telegraph

DUP junior minister lays wreath at Irish National War Memorial Gardens

The gardens in Islandbridge, a Dublin suburb, are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. Ceremonies took place across the Republic to honour all Irish casualties who died in wars or on service with the United Nations and other international organisations. DUP junior minister Pam Cameron tweeted that it had been 'an absolute privilege to have laid a wreath on behalf of the deputy First Minister (Emma Little-Pengelly) and the Northern Ireland Executive this 12th of July at the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance, Irish National War Memorial Gardens. #lestweforget' Irish President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, which was also attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, other government ministers and members of the Council of State. It was the 14th National Day of Commemoration attended by Mr Higgins as president and the last before he leaves office later this year. Former Presbyterian Moderator, the Very Rev Dr David Bruce, represented the Church at the event in Kilmainham. Speaking about the event, Dr Bruce said that it has always been 'a great sense of privilege personally, and for the Presbyterian community as a whole, to take part in this national commemoration'. Representatives from veterans' organisations, the diplomatic corps and the defence forces were also in attendance. Mr Martin told the ceremony: 'It is fitting that we remember here today all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on military service with United Nations or other international organisations in the service of peace.' An act of commemoration was led by leaders from various faiths. The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying by President Higgins on behalf of the people of Ireland, followed by a fly-past by the Air Corps. Ceremonies were also held in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford, with an event in Sligo due later in the day.