The Easter Rising is still widely celebrated today by thousands of Irish. It still hold a strong sentiment for many Americans of Irish decent. The rising does not only generate pride in the Ireland that nation, but in Irish people. Americans of Irish decent still hold pride in that the leaders of the revolution did for their country of decent.
The New York City St.Patrick’s Day parade is attended by about 200,000 people each year. Many of these people are there to take part in their Irish pride and commemorate the Rising. The marchers are showing their support for their heritage and Ireland’s history. There is still great admiration for the leaders of the rising. The Easter Rising is still remembered as an important part of Irish history.
There are many groups and centers today in which Irish Americans can celebrate and share in their Irish identity such as the American Irish Historical Society and Irish American Cultural Institute.
Opionions on the rising
Although they may be American, many of Irish decent feel strong sentiment toward the Rising such as John Lahey, chairman of the NYC Saint Patrick Parade’s organization and John O’Connor,president of the organization: “We remember today those brave patriots who stood on the steps of Dublin’s General Post Office and read the proclamation of the Irish Republic, affirming their belief in their new nation, offering equality for all, with a government cherishing all the children of the nation equally.” These men are proud of their heritage and admire the leaders of the Irish rebellion who they believed worked for equality and a free nation. Although they are not a citizen of Ireland, they still are proud of that these men accomplished and look at them with reverence. Lacey and O’ Connor feel a connection to the “brave patriots”.
Lahey and O’Conner continue to show the rising still influences people today: “And echoing the words of Sen. George Mitchell” let us remember who we are and where we came from so we always know where we’re going.” To both men, the rising not only impacted the past, but it continues to influence the lives of the Irish today.
In a document included in the NYC Parade Journal 2016: “Those who went out on that Easter Monday in 1916, did so without regard to their own personal safety, went into the gap of danger, made the sacrifice, and set the example for the Irish nation” “Ireland owes so much to the brave men and women who went out on that Easter Monday morning in 1916 and fought and died so Ireland could be free!” The author goes on to list the names of Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, Tom Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh, Sean MacDermott, Joseph Plummot, and Eamonn Ceannt.” Even today, people still respect the revolutionary leaders. The author idolizes these men and recognizes their great contribution to not only Ireland, but the Irish people. The revolutionaries continue to evoke emotion and pride in this man and many others.
The Easter Rising has taken a form in pop culture as there are several movies based off the event such as 1916: The Rebellion, Angel of 1916, Michael Collins, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. People still care about the rising and want to document its events!
Listen to historians Padraig Yeates and Fearghal McGarry talk about events that took place during the Eater Rising here. They are in the present talking about this past event.