The Official 1916 Rising Ceremony

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Friday April 14, 2006 01:42 by l

Scorpion tanks and a parade the like of Red Square.

This Easter Sunday's military parade, starting from Dublin Castle at 11:45am, looks to be a tasteful affair, with convenient timing and a family feel.

Given minor controversy over neutrality, CIA kidnapping flights going through Shannon and Apache helicopters coming through Shannon en route to Israel to be used in attacks on Gaza, a fainthearted politician could consider the event a risky proposition, but sure doesn't everyone love a day out? Who says the 1916 revolution can't be celebrated by a right wing government? It's all about the military anyway. Bertie says that the Irish Army are the descendants of 1916. Reclaim the Rising from the Shinners and give the army something to do. A little PR never goes amiss.

All are welcome to add to this spectacle in the way they feel is best. There will be a one minute silence to commemorate the dead of 1916. A commemoration of those whose deaths Ireland is facilitating in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan and those tortured and imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay may also be appropriate. Black shamrock balloons, banners etc.

Meeting on O'Connell Bridge 11:45 if possible.Otherwise follow the black shamrocks.