Mayor represents Athlone at national memorial

THE Mayor of Athlone Municipal District Councillor Frankie Keena laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Athlone and district at the National Memorial at Merrion Square in Dublin at the weekend.

Explaining the concept behind the design of the memorial, Mayor Keena said that the pyramid shape of the memorial captures references to burial and is a standing testament to the dead. Within the pyramid, four bronze figures, representing the elements of the Defence Forces, stand guard over an eternal flame that emanates from the badge of the Defence Forces, Oglaigh na hEireann, he added.
The memorial is in honour of the members of the Defence Forces, and all Irish people who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. A flame burns in perpetual memory of those members of the Defence Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the state, he stated.
A very dignified and respectful changing of the guard ceremony took place where the 6th Infantry Battalion handed over to the 28th Infantry Battalion. "It was great to see members of IUNVA present who also laid wreaths in memory of lost comrades," said Mayor Keena.