Waterbury, CT AOH 31st Commemoration of 1981 Hunger Strike 9/1/2012  (Full)
Channel: Dominick Bruno
Date: 05/09/2012

Video of Monsignor Slocum AOH Division 1, Waterbury, CT  (www.msgrslocumdiv1.com) Freedom for All Ireland Cmte.,  1981 Hunger Strike Commemoration, September 1st, 2012.

Bobby Sands, Belfast, 66 days, 5 May 1981.
Frank Hughes , Bellaghy (Derry) , 59 days, 12 May 1981.
Raymond McCreesh , South Armagh , 61 days, 21 May 1981.
Patsy O Hara , Derry , 61 days, 21 May 1981.
Joe McDonnell , Belfast , 61 days, 8 July 1981.
Martin Hurson , Tyrone , 46 days, 13 July 1981.
Kevin Lynch, Dungiven (Derry) ,71 days, 1 August 1981.
Kieran Doherty , Belfast , 73 days, 2 August 1981.
Tom McIlwee , Bellaghy (Derry) , 62 days, 8 August 1981.
Micky Devine , Derry , 60 days, 20 August 1981.

Freedom for All Ireland Hunger Strike Commemoration Report

The 1981 Hunger Strike Commemoration was held on September 1, 2012 at Hartford, Connecticut. Glorious sunshine greeted the large crowd with attendees coming from all over the state and as far as New Jersey and New York. The day's ceremonies commenced at Bobby Sands Circle in Hartford where a monument consisting of a large Celtic Cross inscribed with the names of the ten brave men who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh in 1981 is located. The monument also includes the names of Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike in British prisons in 1974 and 1976 respectively. All of the Hunger Strikers died in protest of being denied political status as prisoners of war.

Master of ceremonies Joe Flaherty commenced the ceremonies by introducing Raymond P Greene who sang stirring renditions of both the Irish and American National Anthems.

Peadar Cleary recited Bobby Sands well-known poem "The Rhythm of Time" followed Joe O'Flaherty reciting the Roll of Honor. As each name was read a white cross bearing his name was placed at the foot of the monument.

Activist Susan Miskell spoke of her recent visit to Maghaberry and the dire conditions endured by Republican prisoners in the occupied six counties. She also spoke of the prisoners struggle for political status and made special mention of the daily hardships faced by the families of the prisoners.

Pat Williams of the National Irish Freedom Committee spoke about the case of Martin Corey. Pat emphasized that Martin Corey is a political hostage being held by the British on 'secret evidence', so secret that neither he nor his lawyers are even allowed to see or challenge it. He further stated that the case of Martin Corey makes clear that internment still exists and asked all present to visit releasemartincorey.com for more information and to spread the word within their respective organizations about Martin's plight.

In conclusion Joe O'Flaherty thanked all who had attended and reminded them that refreshments were available at the Maple Cafe across the street.

Later that evening a ballad session was held to aid the families of political prisoners at the Local Public House in Waterbury. Music was provided by Boston Rebel band Erin Óg. A great night was had by all!

The entire day was a great success and special thanks go organizers Joe O'Flaherty and Sue Miskell, and participants owners & staff at The Local Public House (Waterbury), AOH Div 1 Waterbury, Cumman na Saoirse Náısıúnta (The National Irish Freedom Committee), The Maple Cafe Hartford, Al Aborn, Maureen Burns, Caoimhin Potter and all who supported or helped make the day the success it was.

Video courtesy of Cumann na Saoirse Náısıúnta (www.irishfreedom.net), All Rights Reserved.  Posted with permission.