Bank holiday perfect time for a weekend of games and remembrance.
The Listowel Military Tattoo took place in Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland, over what is locally known as the May Bank Holiday Weekend, 2-5 May 2014.
Among the guests this year were the U.S. defence attaché to Ireland, Lt. Col. Seán Costen U.S.A.F.; the Irish Minister of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Mr. James Deenihan; the Australian ambassador (to Ireland); the Belgian ambassador; the Polish ambassador; and the Russian military attaché to Ireland. Also present were Brigadier General Paul Fry of the Irish Air Corps, Irish Defence Forces and the mayor of Listowel, among other dignitaries and senior military personnel. Among their ranks were members currently serving with the Irish Defence Forces, the Irish Army Colour Party and Army Band, and the representatives of the veterans organizations: O.N.E.T. (Organisation of Irish Ex-Service Men and Women [Ireland]), the IR02 post of The American Legion, and the Limerick Branch of the Royal British Legion. Also present this year were four Polish veterans of World War II. The Irish Army Colour Party and Army Band, along with the veterans, paraded through the streets of the small town, after which was held a short ceremony in remembrance of deceased Irish veterans from all conflicts with several of the group presenting wreaths.
Events over the weekend also included two World War II re-enactment battles in the town square, lectures on Irish military history, displays from across the ages, exhibition of military vehicles, sponsored arrests, laser war games and U.N. photo display of Irish troops in the Lebanon over the 20 years of service. Also included were a hog roast in the town square and a 1940s gala concert and hangar dance at the Listowel Arms Hotel, featuring Frank Sinatra Tribute Act and the Bombshell Belles. Thanks is given to all the generous benefactors, and indeed to all the hard work of the organisers and volunteers.
- FODPAL