Why I joined the army (1916) - Daniel Desmond Sheehan

#Ireland #war #england "[...] From the moment that war was declared between England and Germany, from that hour when the issues were so clearly and cogently defined by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons, without doubt or hesitation of any sort I, as an Irish Nationalist, abating not one jot of my national opinion or views, threw in my lot whole-heartedly with the cause of the Empire, which I conceived to be also the cause of liberty and of humanity. The group of Independent Nationalists, with Mr. William O’Brien, MP., as our leader and the eloquent exponent of our doctrines, made no conditions or stipulations as to the nature of the support we should give to England in her hour of need. If the war was a just war, if it was waged for righteous ends, if it was in the interest of Ireland to bear arms in it , then assuredly it would be but a beggaring of our support if we were to lay down conditions and to haggle over contingent benefits. Either the war was a just one from the British standpoint or it was unjust. Either it was to the interest of Ireland to identify herself with the Empire, or, sulking in the memories of past wrongs, to remain aloof, or, seeking vengeance for what was done in evil times, actively to associate herself with the aims of the enemy. But for men of principle and honour and straightforward thought there could be no middle course and no paltering with petty issues of party or parochial advantage. [...]" YOUTUBE CHANNELS COOKING WITH BENOIT :    / @cookingwithbenoit   TRAVEL J'ADORE :    / @traveljadore   WEB TRAVEL J'ADORE : https://www.traveljadore.com/