Athlone soldiers set for National Memorial parade

SOLDIERS from Athlone’s Custume Barracks will play a part when a Ceremonial Military Guard parades at the site of the National Memorial to Members of the Defence Forces who died in the Service of the State, at Merrion Square Park, Dublin, during July and August.

Ceremonies will take place at Merrion Square Park, every Saturday from July 19 to Saturday, August 23. Units from throughout the Defence Forces and across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service will participate in the Military Guard Ceremony in solemn remembrance of their fallen comrades. The ceremony will last approximately one hour.

The National Memorial was unveiled by President Mary McAleese in November 2008 and is the National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State. It is a place of contemplation and remembrance, where families, relatives and members of the public can reflect on the sacrifice these soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen made for the State.

The pyramid shape of the memorial, which was designed by Brian King, captures references to burial and is a standing testament to the dead. Within the pyramid, four bronze figures, representing all elements of the Defence Forces, stand guard over the eternal flame that emanates from the badge of the Defence Forces. The flame burns in perpetual memory of the members of the Defence Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the State.

Soldiers from Athlone’s 2nd Artillery Regiment, Custume Barracks, will participate in the ceremony on Saturday, August 2, alongside comrades from the 27th Infantry Battalion, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Members from the 6th Infantry Battalion, Custume Barracks, Athlone, will also partake on Saturday, August 16. On both occasions, the services begin at 12noon.