National Graves Association Easter Rising presentation to the families of our patriot dead

THE Belfast National Graves Association made its traditional annual presentation to the families of Belfast's patriot dead at Easter to show that their sacrifice is still remembered and revered.

Hundreds of people representing the families attended the event in Belfast's Conway Mill where the committee of the NGA was joined by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast Arder Carson, and senior United States trade unionist Terry O'Sullivan to make the presentations.

Each family received a medalion with the profile of Belfast republican, Irish Citizen Army Volunteer and socialist Winifred Carney. On the reverse side of the medal is the trademark symbol of this centenary celebrations: a Proclamation with an Easter Lily through it and the motto Ag Fíoriú na Poblachta.

Speaking on behalf of the National Graves, Acting Chair Joe Austin spoke of the “huge honour it is for us to be in the presence of people who have given so much and who have endured so much”.

Both Terry O'Sullivan and Mayor Arder Carson, when they addressed the crowd, spoke of their pride at being asked to be present to make the presentations to the families of our patriot dead.

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