The People’s Flag: A powerful symbol of hope

He meant that national flags express a nation’s values and aspirations. The white panel in the centre of the Irish flag is about peace and that, irrespective of politics, we are one people. That sense of respect is what allows a nation to progress.

The foundation brings the message of inclusion, regardless of ethnicity, creed and gender to it’s young people and that builds a foundation for them to flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Acceptance and inclusion is hugely important to people’s well-being and mental health. In this every changing world we live in, it’s vital that we recognise the need for tolerance, patience and supporting young people to realise the power they have within themselves.

FlagDay2024 shows how beneficial projects like these can be to people moving here from different countries, learning about Ireland’s history and about the characters that made it happen. Every country has its heroes and the achievements of people like Thomas Meagher should be celebrated. The Flag symbolizes different traditions working together in harmony and that’s the perfect message for modern Irish society.

The foundation encourages schools to participate in various activities during FlagDay2024. A few examples are a flag day themed quiz, a musical event, art display or a themed history class. Other suggestions are recommended, such as:-

⬤ Investigate the history and meaning of the Irish Flag and create an information campaign or exhibition in your school or local library. Decorate your school, poster displays, presentations to other classes.

⬤ Investigate the Irish Flag and Irish Culture - research references to Irish Flag in poetry, literature, music, popular culture etc.

⬤ Research how many nationalities are represented in your school, learn about those flags and the meaning behind them. Learn about the importance and symbolism of Flags. Represent and celebrate these flags during Flag Day.

⬤ Create a Flag Week team and action plan for your event – focus, actions, flag protocols, roles.

⬤ Invite local representatives, speakers, community members to your Flag Day event about what the Irish Flag means to them in 2024.

We are hoping that all students participating during the week leading up to Flag Day on 16th March, will learn both about the Irish Flag and its meaning for peace, and about the flags of all the nationalities in their schools and the meaning behind these flags.

In a modern and diverse Ireland, it is critical that people of all backgrounds and creeds understand and gather around the meaning of the Irish flag for peace, respect, diversity and inclusion. The raising of the flag symbolises a “coming together” to create a community of hope for Irelands’ future.

Whatever the schools decided to do on Flag Day, the main aim is to have fun and use their imaginations. The foundation would be delighted if those involved, shared their flag day event, photos or videos, using the hashtag #FlagDay2024 so together we can all follow and enjoy the positivity and excitement throughout the school communities around the country.

Tag us on social media @tfmf1848 or @thomasfmeagherfoundation #FlagDay2024 or email us at info@tfmfoundation.ie