18/11/25: The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, together with the Embassy of Germany in Ireland, the Lutheran Church in Ireland and St. Kevin’s Church, once again hosted the annual ‘Volkstrauertag’, German Remembrance Day, commemoration at Glencree on Sunday 16 November 2025.

On a wet and windy day, guests gathered to honour the 134 German military servicemen and civilians from both world wars who are laid to rest in the German Military Cemetery, as well as those who have lost their lives to war and conflict and who are living with its ongoing impacts today.

Among those present were German Ambassador H.E. David Gill, Belgian Ambassador H.E. Nicolas Nihon and Bulgarian Ambassador H.E. Vanya Andreeva-Malakova. They were joined by military attachés from the German diplomatic corps, Col. Sean Grant, British Defence Attaché to Ireland, and Brigadier General Stephen Ryan of the Irish Defence Forces, along with serving and retired members of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the Royal British Legion and a range of veteran groups. Also in attendance were delegates from the German Embassy, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Chair of Wicklow County Council, Fr. Lorcan O’Reilly OMI, Oblates Provincial, together with Glencree members, partners, neighbours, friends and Glencree Board and staff.

The event began with a Glencree circle dialogue facilitated by Community & Political Dialogue Programme Manager Pat Hynes. The dialogue explored the impact of current global conflicts and the lessons that can be drawn from Ireland’s experience of ending violent conflict and building a sustainable peace. This was followed by an Ecumenical Prayer for Peace Service at St. Kevin’s Church. Led by Father Bernard Kennedy, Parish Priest of Enniskerry and Pastor Florian von Issendorff of the Lutheran Church in Ireland, the interfaith service was delivered in English, Irish and German, and featured the Goethe Choir and readings by local schoolchildren from St. Patrick's National School in Curtlestown.

Addressing those gathered, Ambassador Gill delivered a moving tribute emphasising the importance of relationships, learning from the past and striving for peaceful coexistence. Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee reiterated these themes and emphasised that genuine peace can only be achieved through sustained dialogue, courageous leadership and a shared commitment to reject division and violence.

As part of the commemoration, a symbolic lantern procession led by a Piper from the Irish Defence Forces made its way to the German Military Cemetery, where Ambassador Gill joined representatives of veteran organisations in laying wreaths in remembrance. Afterwards, guests had the chance to meet, chat and reflect together as they enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Armoury Café.

Glencree extends our sincere thanks to all guests who attended and contributed to the Remembrance, with a special note of thanks to the children of St. Patrick's National School and their teachers and parents, and the Goethe Choir.