BELFAST RB BOOKLET 2020 - Flipbook - Page 77
Ci t y of Belf ast Grand Bl ack Chapt er - Dem onst rat i on Bookl et 2020
all of them from any state
decedents for the contribution of
employment for a seven-year
those Irish volunteers in both
period after their return.
wars against tyranny deserves to
When, at the end of the war, it
be honoured.
was put to Oscar Trainer, then
And there is no credible eviEire's Minister for Defence that
dence that their involvement
these men's real crime in his
with Britain was either a case
eyes was not their desertion, but
of any diminution in their
their willingness to fight with the
sense of Irish nationality; or
Allies, he sarcastically retorted to
even for most, a rejection of
the media that perhaps instead
Irish neutrality.
they should have been welcomed
Frances Ledwidge (left) was a
back with bands and banners.
nationalist poet from Slane, who
The story of southern
died at the front during the First
participation in the Second World War has World War, and was one such man who joined
only within the past few decades begin to Britain's fight, because back then, the country
unfold, for in the immediate post-war era, stood against an inhumane regime which was
(including that of WWI) the Dublin political uncommon to all civility.
establishment, still largely composed of
Initially he opposed Redmond’s call to join
IRA veterans from the War of Independ- up, but then did so during October 1914 on the
ence, tended to regard references to the basis that he believed it unreasonable to
matter as if it was treason and those who expect others to fight for the freedoms that he
survived combat returned to Ireland after and his family would also wish to enjoy.
the war, like most survivors, were reluctant
Frances survived harsh service both at
to talk of their exploits, a reticence Gallipoli and Serbia, but was killed at the
reinforced by such harsh treatment and the early age of twenty-nine whilst serving in
surrounding hostile environment.
Flanders, at Boezinge during the Third
Whilst almost all the Irish Second World War Battle of Ypres. He was buried in
veterans are now deceased, we can only hope Passchendaele and remembered in this
that their stories are known to their future poetic message read at his funeral ...
You followed from Boyne water to the Balkans; but miss the twilit note your flute should sound.
You were not keyed or pitched like these true-blue ones though all of you consort now underground.
Then in the lull of midnight, gentle arms; lifted him slowly down the slopes of death
Lest he should hear again the mad alarms of battle, dying moans, and painful breath.
And where the earth was soft for flowers we made a grave for him that he might better rest.
So spring shall come and leave it seed arrayed, there the lark shall turn her dewy nest.
"My Friend, I heard you cry last night. I was there in the darkness when the tears slipped down
your face and your heart broke within you. Did you think I didn’t see and didn’t care? Do you really
think I don’t know how tired and weary you are? I’ve been with you when life has dealt its bitterest
blows. I’ve watched you cope and I’ve watched you handle all the sorrow with all the pain. But you
are weary now and I can see the broken spirit and the faded hopes and dreams.
Please don’t forget that I care. My touch, my caress can restore and mend your broken heart and
kindle the flame of hope once more within you. Let me love you. Take down the barricades around
your heart and lean on me. I am not tired and I am not weary and I have enough strength to carry
you if you’ll let me. You are not alone. You never have been alone and I will never, ever leave your
side. Trust me, for I am your Friend, Jesus."
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN - 75 - AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING