Easter Report

On a warm and sunny Easter Sunday, April 4^th, Cumann Na Saoirse Náısıúnta / National Irish Freedom Committee (CnSN/NIFC) commemorated the 94th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising at the grave of Irish War of Independence Veteran, Joseph Stynes, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.

Emcee Liam Murphy introduced the first speakers who opened the program with readings of the Easter Proclamation in Irish and in English. Easter messages from the Republican leadership in Ireland and from CnSN/NIFC were read.

 Both organizations pledged to remain firm and resolute in the cause of Irish freedom, to support those in Ireland whose Republicanism is consistent with that of the leaders of Easter week and to continue to promote the Eire Nua program, which calls for an all-Ireland, four province federal system of government in the context of a British withdrawal from the six occupied counties. Eire Nua is the Republican alternative to the partitionist parliaments of Leinster House and Stormont, both of which were created and imposed on the Irish people by England. The very framework of Eire Nua embodies the aspirations of the Easter Proclamation in a solid and workable political formula. It is clear from both statements that much work is needed before the goals enunciated in the Proclamation will be realized.

 The poem, “Easter 1916,” by William Butler Yeats was read followed by a spirited recitation of Padraig Pearse's oration given at the funeral of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa. 

 Tiokasin Ghosthorse of the Lakota Nation spoke movingly of the similarities in experiences and values of Native Americans and the Irish in America. He ended his remarks with a lament played on the cedar flute. Piper Brendan Byrne provided spirited music throughout the event. 

The commemoration ended with a personal tribute to Joseph Stynes by Brian Mór Ó Baoighill who urged the gathering to remember the unwavering dedication of true Republicans like Joe Stynes and to rededicate ourselves to the Republic of Easter Week.

PHOTO GALLERY

National Irish Freedom Committee Easter Address

The National Irish Freedom Committee sends fraternal Easter greetings to Irish Republicans throughout the world on this the 94th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. There will be commemorations of this most historic event around the globe. The Diaspora was cast worldwide and with it came the ideals of Fenianism: the establishment of an independent 32 County Irish Republic.

In America, the Fenian Brotherhood, and later Clan na Gael, were instrumental in keeping the Irish Separatist tradition alive. This American support played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the 1916 Easter Rising. Irish women and men in America would remain loyal in the ensuing years to the Republic of Pearse and Connolly.

After England sent their terrorists -- the Black and Tans -- to crush the spirit of freedom of the Irish people, and later when England bought off the Free Staters and sent them out with their English guns to do the same, Republicanism was driven underground. It was wounded, yes, but remained alive. The Republican Movement today remains dedicated to the establishment of an independent 32 county Irish Republic.

This week, throughout the 32 Counties there will be commemorations organized by those who -- despite everything thrown at them by the apparatus of both states -- remain firm and resolute in the cause of Irish freedom. To those who continue to support the Republic of Easter Week: we send them our solidarity and our pledge that we will continue to stand with them.

In the aftermath of the so called Irish Civil War some former colleagues broke from the Republican Movement. It would sadly not be the only time that such departures occurred. On each occasion former Republicans would allow themselves to be led by the nose up the blind alley of 'constitutional nationalism.' Somehow, the same old story was sold as a "New Departure' again and again.

At the 1986 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis, the Adams/McGuinness leadership cast aside Republicanism, breaking with fundamental principles. By their recognition of Leinster House they accepted the British-imposed 26 County Parliament as a legitimate governing body and, therefore, acceptance of the British partition of Ireland.

Led by Ruaırí Ó Brádaıgh, those delegates who remained dedicated to the Republic walked out and along with Dáıthí Ó Conaıll, Des Long, Geraldine Taylor, Joe O'Neill and other stalwarts, helped reorganize as Republican Sınn Féın. Because of such dedication, the Republic proclaimed on Easter Week 1916 survived yet another setback.

Our own organization (CnSN) was founded shortly thereafter to ensure that there was an organization in North America that would provide a political home for Irish American activists who believed -- not in half measures or so called 'New Departures' -- but the undiluted Republicanism of 1916.

Cumann na Saoirse congratulates Ó Brádaigh on his outstanding service and we extend to Uachtarán Des Dalton, the Ard Chomhairle and entire membership our best wishes for the future.

Stepping down as Uachtarán, Ruaırí was appointed Patron by the last Árd Fheıs. In this position he succeeds Dan Keating, General Tom Maguire and, Michael Flannery and George Harrison, who were two founding members of Cumann na Saoırse Náısıúnta. We have no doubt that Ruaırí will continue to provide both leadership and guidance for a long time to come.

The NIFC will continue to support those in Ireland whose Republicanism is consistent with that of the leaders of Easter week.  We will continue to promote the Irish-authored Eire Nua program for an all-Ireland, four province federal system of government in the context of a British withdrawal from the six occupied counties. Eire Nua is the Republican alternative to the partitionist parliaments of Leinster House and Stormont, both of which were created and imposed on the Irish people by England. Indeed, the very framework of Eire Nua embodies the aspirations of the Easter Proclamation in a solid and workable political formula.

We will continue to support the imprisoned members of the Republican Movement. We pledge to support their campaign for political status. We will continue to support CABHAIR in its charitable work helping the dependents of political prisoners.

Before leaving here today let us all together rededicate ourselves to the Republic of Easter Week, and let us always remember those down the years such as Joe Stynes who never wavered. We should be forever grateful that our history has provided us such people who lives can guide and inspire us.

(Click here for video)

(Click here for Irish Republican Movement's Easter Message)

Washington State Easter Contribution.

On Easter Sunday  a number of families in Washington State got together around their dinner tables, displaying an Easter lily centerpiece arrangement purchased from Darryl Levey an NIFC member. Darryl who had purchased the lilies resold them, after adding decoration, to benefit the families of Republicans prisoners throughout Ireland

While this earned some extra money for Cabhair, of equal importance was the reminder to families of the continuing struggle for Irish independence. It is imperative that we as Irish Americans remind our fellow Americans that there are people still striving for freedom in the occupied Irish counties and that families whose breadwinners are not at home due to their sacrifice for a free and reunited Ireland -- where British soldiers do not patrol Irish streets ---  s they do now. .

It can be assumed with certainty that when a guest or family member asked about the beautiful lilies the ongoing struggle for freedom in Ireland was discussed, resulting in a reminder to many that very little of significance has been achieved in Ireland's freedom struggle despite the "Good Friday Arrangement" touted by the British and their cohorts as a  -- major achievement !!.

This reminder is just what many Americans need right now as the mainstream media rarely focuses on the continuing struggle. Here is just one example of the way we can enlighten our fellows. Ireland and its continuing struggle must not be set aside by Irish Americans.

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