Future fears cloud service as soldiers remember dead

". . . neither shall they learn war any more;

but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid . . ."

Mr Martin Simmons, the lay leader of the Jewish community in Ireland, read from the Book of Minah at the National Day of Commemoration service in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, yesterday.

Prayers during the service were conducted by representatives off the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and the Muslim community in Ireland, as well as Mr Simmons.

Clouds, metaphorical and real, hung over the old soldiers' hospital as those present observed a minute's silence after the President, Mrs Robinson, had laid a wreath.

Most likely it was on the possibility of future political strife and death, rather than that of the past, that most of those at the service were thinking.

As well as the President, the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, the new Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Gerry McMahon, were at the service.

Government Ministers, the leader of the Opposition, Mr Ahern, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic community, religious leaders and old soldiers, as well as the next of kin of those killed on UN service, were also present. Serving soldiers and gardai stood to attention around the gravel covered courtyard.

But it felt like the present was too ominous for silent reflection on the wars and death of the past.

Cmdt Joe Ryan made a small gesture with his glove covered hand and a bandsman thumped his drum. The minute's silence was over. The Army No 1 Band played a drum roll as Capt Bernard Markey brought the national flag to full mast. Noise and movement and ceremony came as relief from the worries of the present.

Afterwards, guests went to the dining room where, under portraits of former British royals, including one of William of Orange the politicians, ambassadors, church leaders, and soldiers old and new, mingled over drinks.

The Taoiseach had warm smiles for everyone, wishing to express his goodwill towards the minority faiths, the representatives of foreign governments, the old soldiers who had fought for the British.

"It's very sad though," he said as he greeted one of the guests.