This morning, the Queen again placed a wreath, but this time it was at the Irish National Memorial in Islandbridge. It really symbolically showed the reconciliation between England and Ireland. It was a very moving ceremony. The memorial primarily honors the Irish soldiers who served and died during WWI , and Joe's grandfather's name is listed there.
Then the Queen and Prince Philip went to the Guiness Storehouse where she was poured a pint of Guiness by a master brewer. If you have been to Ireland or plan on coming, you must have a pint of Guinesss.
As I am writing this post, the Queen and Prince Philip are at Croke Park. It is a controversial visit, as this is where the first Bloody Sunday occurred, but also so important and significant to the reconciliation of the two countries. Croke Park is where the Irish show their pride in their Irish culture and where many sports events are held. It's a great place to visit if you ever come here. If you can see a game, you will feel the excitement that is always there at Croke Park.
The security again was very high and the public was not allowed near the event. I think that even though the streets of Dublin are empty because of the security lockout, it is not because the Irish people do not care or couldn't be bothered about the events. Most Irish are watching it on tv as it is virtually impossible to see the Queen in person. Yes, there have been peaceful protests against the visit, but I do feel that most Irish people feel it is very important that the Queen honored the dead who fought for Irish Independence , and that she is recognizing the many who died in places like Croke Park. It is definitely an important step in the healing process of many. Most Irish want to see peace in their lives, and this is giving them hope that they may see it in their lifetime.
As for myself, I find it historically significant that Great Britain and Ireland came together, recognized their differences, and broke through their barriers and obstacles. I know the feelings are mixed here, and many feel that England should have done all of this much sooner. However, I do believe that it is time to move forward.
Hope you have been watching all of the events too!
Then the Queen and Prince Philip went to the Guiness Storehouse where she was poured a pint of Guiness by a master brewer. If you have been to Ireland or plan on coming, you must have a pint of Guinesss.
As I am writing this post, the Queen and Prince Philip are at Croke Park. It is a controversial visit, as this is where the first Bloody Sunday occurred, but also so important and significant to the reconciliation of the two countries. Croke Park is where the Irish show their pride in their Irish culture and where many sports events are held. It's a great place to visit if you ever come here. If you can see a game, you will feel the excitement that is always there at Croke Park.
The security again was very high and the public was not allowed near the event. I think that even though the streets of Dublin are empty because of the security lockout, it is not because the Irish people do not care or couldn't be bothered about the events. Most Irish are watching it on tv as it is virtually impossible to see the Queen in person. Yes, there have been peaceful protests against the visit, but I do feel that most Irish people feel it is very important that the Queen honored the dead who fought for Irish Independence , and that she is recognizing the many who died in places like Croke Park. It is definitely an important step in the healing process of many. Most Irish want to see peace in their lives, and this is giving them hope that they may see it in their lifetime.
As for myself, I find it historically significant that Great Britain and Ireland came together, recognized their differences, and broke through their barriers and obstacles. I know the feelings are mixed here, and many feel that England should have done all of this much sooner. However, I do believe that it is time to move forward.
Hope you have been watching all of the events too!
11 comments:
Hi Micki!.. Wow, there are some pretty powerful events happening your way, but it is a good thing that they are happening!.. I KNOW what a Twilight fan (Twi-hard) you are, and just wanted to let you know about a Tag Swap going on. Don't know how much into tags you are/aren't, but go to this YouTube web addy...
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..and CHECK THIS OUT!! I'm in it, and can't wait as we proceed through each movie, it's going to be so much FUN!!!.. And just imagine the collection you'll have when all is said and done!! Just watch the video, and you decide from there whether you're interested and/or have time, but I just had to tell you! ~tina
H Micki! I was happy to see this happen, with the Queen would smile sometimes LOL. She always looks so angry. I guess the stiff upper lip. Nice that she visited beautiful Ireland.
I do agree it is wonderful to see the Queen in Ireland at last ,and we should forget what happened in the last century,and move on ,we have so much in common ,I myself am English and a protestant my dearest long time partner is Irish and a Catholic ....love Jan xx
This is truly amazing. So glad that Queen Elizabeth is the one making the bonds.
Yes, you're right, Micki. This is amazing and it's time to move forward now:)
Just stopping in to say hi! It has been awhile, been so busy! Time to check up on everything you have been up to!
Lovely to read the updates Micki!!! Thankyou! we haven't had much of it on the news here!!!
I am following it at Sky news! Thanks for visiting me also! Sorry I have not been around much lately, we are renovating the house, I got my own craftroom! Two of my kids left home a month ago and we had to decorate their new flats and a third moved the same month, so it was hectic! Still not done, but hopefully soon all will be back to normal :) Have a great weekend!
You are so right, Micki. It is time to move forward and unite. I'm glad she has made the trip.
Let's see, my Nanny (great-grandmother) came from Ireland and family legend is that one of her relatives was hung by the British. She hated the British all her life, I think. My father was stationed in England during WWII, and I hear that when Churchill would come on the radio, Nanny was anything but complementary. Isn't it just fascinating to see this visit happening?
I definitely agree with you: it's time to move forward! I find the Queen's visit an important step and nobody can live forever in anger. Each country have, in its history, black moments and something to shame of. Enjoy your week, Clara.
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