Editorial – Take to the streets on March 17

ON Saturday we celebrate our national day in the hope that the events planned around the country and county will help engender the sense of purpose and community that is so necessary for the rebuilding of our battered society. And although it might be argued that, as yet, we have little to celebrate, it is still time to put our best foot forward and show ourselves, and the world, that though bowed, we are not beaten. [private] Indeed, while the past five years have been painful for us as a nation, and we are far from reaching the end of this particular tunnel, we have learned that we are more stoic than we may have thought. We have shown the kind of strength in the face of adversity that, if put to productive use, may serve as one of the building blocks of a saner and more inclusive society. In communities all over the country this weekend, volunteers will show what can be achieved once the meitheal spirit is engaged. Our parades are not just carnivals to entertain passive observers; they capture what is best in us and allow us to celebrate it. Parading in front of the reviewing stand is just the tip of the iceberg on March 17. Each parade represents the great surge of community effort that goes into staging these spectacles. It represents people coming together on a voluntary basis and working together for a common goal. It especially represents effort made not for personal or commercial gain but with pride of place, fun, celebration and entertainment as its aim. There is ample evidence that along with the travails of the past number of years, some good has also come. This is especially evident in a renewed sense of pride of place and in community. While never extinct, there were well-founded fears that economic prosperity had spawned a narcissism that militated against collective action for the common good. We should appreciate those unsung heroes who kept the spark of community alight, because their constancy has facilitated the rekindling of the flame. The most cursory perusal of the District Notes section of this paper highlights the very many activities taking place at parish, village and community level that rely on steady reserves of goodwill to allow them to flourish. From meals-on-wheels, to coaching a junior team, from book clubs, to enhancement work in the village, from drama, to fundraising â€â€ the list is endless. There are people all over the country actively ensuring that all that is best in our society is being preserved to hand on to the next generation. On Saturday many of these same people will be involved in St Patrick's Day parades. They deserve our admiration and respect and, most of all, our support. It is often said that patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel and our recent history has taught us the truth of this adage all too well. But patriotism also signifies a pride in our nation and people and in our achievements because, despite all, we have much for which to be grateful and much for which we can beat the drum. What better way, this Saturday, of showing our solidarity with our neighbours and friends in these challenging times than by setting out to enjoy with them one of our best examples of collective endeavour? Let's celebrate together at the St Patrick's Day parade. [/private]