Sir, – How we propose to commemorate the 1916 rising and the Irish involvement in the Great War is now under active discussion.
With regard to the Great War, the sacrifice of those who fought and died in British regiments is now rightly understood and acknowledged.
I have seen no discussion, however, about the many thousands of Irishmen who fought under other flags, principally that of the United States, who seem to have been largely forgotten.
I have in my possession campaign medals awarded to a grand-uncle who was severely wounded in France serving with the 69th New York Regiment, “The Fighting 69th”, in 1917.
His contribution and those of his many comrades who also fought and died in that terrible conflict deserve equal recognition with their counterparts who served in the army of our nearest neighbour. – Yours, etc,
EAMONN MANSFIELD,
Helvick,
Ring,
Co Waterford.