Holidqy season 2021 #3

So, today is the third and final non memorial post for this year. In looking for something interesting to post I noticed that I had photographed a number of arches on various trips to Ireland. Arches seem to capture the attention of many folks and I thought they might be good to  post. I will identify them where I can. Some, were taken many years ago and, sadly, were not well documented.

Update: with the help of my sister-in-law we have been able to pinpoint the locations!!

This was taken at the ruin at the Rock of Cashel. Originally at governing center for the kings of Munster it later became a religious center. It was here that Oliver Cromwell killed more than 1000 citizens as he ransacked much of Ireland.

These, too, are from Cashel also known as Saint Patrick's rock as he is said to have baptized the first christian king in Ireland at this site.

The original buildings built in the 4th century CE are now mostly gone and the religious ones, built some century's later, are all that remain.

This final set are from the Rosserk Abby in county Mayo. Sitting at the edge of the Moy River this beautiful site was built by Franciscans who labored to educate those from the area.

That is it for now. Next time, on the 4th, we will return to New Jersey or Pennsylvania (whichever one I can get to the most quickly,) for a resumption of posts honoring Vietnam memorials. I apologize for the history lesson here, but I was a teacher for some 35 years and just can't resist the opportunity to do so.

To see Vietnam memorials from any state, please click a state name from the list on the left side of this page.

Ireland, County Mayo, Castlebar

Oddly, we are right back to Ireland! This time, however, it is to honor four from County Mayo who were lost in Vietnam.

These men, among many others, volunteered to fight along side us in Vietnam. In a later post, I will tell the whole story of the Irish who put their lives on the line for the Vietnamese, but today I will simply share these photos from Mayo.

About an hour or so north of Galway, in the west of Ireland, the Mayo Peace Park Garden of Remembrance sits in an old grave yard along the side of one of the major roads in to the town.

The Peace Park honors the many Irish who have served their country and paid the ultimate price.

Nearby, is a memorial to those who fought in causes along side the U.S. and this is where the four men who died in Vietnam are honored.

These doves, a universal symbol of peace, are prominently displayed on each side of the memorial.

The unknown soldier, now arguably a thing of the past, is remembered here, also.

There are many other memorials here and a walk through the graveyard is amazing. The old Celtic crosses are always beautiful to me and so symbolic of so much of Irish history.

Next time, on the 13th, we will return to Maryland, so, as always, join me there at 9:00am.

To see other memorials, from any state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.