18/11/24: The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (Glencree) and the Embassy of Germany in Ireland, together with the Lutheran Church in Ireland and St. Kevin’s Church Glencree, hosted the annual commemoration of German Remembrance Day on Sunday 17 November at Glencree.

The annual ‘Volkstrauertag’ event is held in remembrance of the 134 German military servicemen and civilians from both world wars who are laid to rest in the German Military Cemetery at Glencree. It also remembers all who have lost their lives in war and conflict around the world, and those who are suffering as a result of war and conflict today.

Formally getting underway at the Glencree Centre, Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee welcomed the new German Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. David Gill and delegates from the German Embassy, along with Finnish Ambassador H.E. Leena Gardemeister, Estonian Ambassador H.E. Kairi Künka, and Austrian Ambassador H.E. Melitta Schubert. Military Attachés attached to the German diplomatic corps, as well as the Military Attachés of the British and US Embassies in Dublin joined alongside serving and retired members of the Defence Forces of Ireland and the Royal British Legion. We were particular honoured to have among us the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Major General Adrian O’Murchú. A variety of veteran groups, Glencree neighbours, friends and colleagues were also present.

At the start of the day, a small Circle Dialogue was facilitated by Glencree’s Community & Political Dialogue Programme Manager Pat Hynes. The dialogue explored the history of Glencree, its role in fostering relationships during the peace process and an assessment of the current status of the peace process post Brexit.

The dialogue was followed by an Ecumenical Prayer for Peace Service in St. Kevins 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. The service featured the Goethe Choir with readings by the pupils of St Patrick’s National School in Curtlestown. At the service, Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee spoke about the lessons from Europe’s journey of post-war cooperation that inspired ideas and processes that contributed to the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. She highlighted the historic and current importance of sustained dialogue, justice, equality and balanced accommodations between parties in conflict as foundations for resolving conflict and building peace.

Following the service, the children lit a lantern to symbolise the light of hope and carried it alongside a Piper from the Irish Defence Forces to the German Cemetery. There Ambassador Gill spoke of the importance of confronting intolerance, Xenophobia and anti-Semitism, and to be aware of the dangers of extreme nationalism in societies. The Ambassador was joined by representatives of veteran organisations in laying wreaths in remembrance of those who lost their lives and led guests in a reflection.

Concluding the Remembrance, guests continued to the Armoury Café on the grounds of the Glencree Centre where they had time to chat and enjoy the warm hospitality and ambience. Friends also fondly remembered Heinz Kampes on the first anniversary of his death in November 2023. Heinz, a child of Operation Shamrock who made Ireland his home following World War II, was a regular participant over many years at German Remembrance Day at Glencree alongside his family.

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.