Canon Graham thanked for part in Remembrance Day Services

Another lasting legacy of the serene, dynamic and charismatic Canon Alastair Graham, recently retired rector of the Mullingar Union of Parishes, was acknowledged by several groups at a special presentation ceremony at All Saints Church on Saturday.

In addition to his many other contributions to the ecumenical life of the area, Canon Graham was responsible for establishing the November Remembrance Day Services at All Saints. Members of the veterans associations, emergency and civil organisations, and Westmeath County Council, gathered to pay tribute to him and to present him and his wife Olive with tokens of their appreciation.

Members of ONE, IUNVA, the Order of Malta, Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána, the Fire Services, Westmeath County Council, represented by Cllr Michael Dollard, leas-cathaoirleach, and others were in attendance.

Liam Smyth, Newlands, Mullingar, representing IUNVA, presented a framed acknowledgement of Canon Graham’s contribution, on behalf of the groups present. He recalled how it all started "as a whim, we’d come in on Remembrance Day and lay a wreath".

Military and social historian Jason McKevitt, representing ONE in Mullingar, called on Jadotville veteran, Billy Kane, to present Mullingar Pewter sculptures of the Children of Lir to Canon Graham and his wife Olive. Mary Tunney, solicitor, presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Graham.

Canon Graham said that when they came to the area in 2009, he was surprised that there was no formal Remembrance Day event. He recalled that historian, "Ruth Illingworth began with those wonderful evenings up at the army barracks and then the opportunity came to formally meet and all of you readily responded so warmly to the invitation, and the Remembrance Services are now so poignant and so relevant to today’s world".

He went on to say that it has always been important to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who suffered. He pointed out that there are 27 countries at war today and while we "can freely enjoy our lives", those in other parts of the world are suffering injustice, oppression and war.

Canon Graham thanked and applauded those present for giving "such wonderful service to protecting the freedom of people". You "show the immense importance of having a sense of duty", he said.

"Sadly, a lot of people in western society today have grown up with no sense of duty. A lot are living in the me generation and think only of themselves. All of you represent a humanity that the world needs. Your humanity is distinguished. Your service is truly important.

"Thank you most profoundly for these gracious gifts that we will always keep as a true memory of our time here. Thank you for your support and presence, which has meant a great deal to us over the years. You are truly delightful people to know," the Canon added.

He told those present: "You have a set of human values that are worthy of praise and are special today because they are not as obvious or as present as they used to be in Ireland, but hopefully, through your witness you will encourage people, in time, to reassess their values. I think the tide of eternal goodness is beginning to come in again."

David Gibson Brabazon, Mount Dalton, Rathconrath, acting as master of ceremonies, told the Canon: "We come together today to acknowledge the contribution you made to Remembrance Day. You encouraged us all to attend the service here in All Saints and that we deeply appreciate." He thanked Canon Graham and Mrs Graham for all the work they did. He also thanked Brian Gillen and the Civil Defence for the repast provided at the presentation ceremony.

Among those associated with the presentations were the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, the Irish UN Veteran’s Association, the Order of Malta, Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána, Mullingar Fire and Rescue Service, Westmeath County Council, the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland District, Poppy Ireland, and the 4th Field Artillery Regiment Association.