EVENTS have been held around Ireland today to celebrate National Services Day.
The event honours the sacrifice, professionalism and dedication of frontline and voluntary service workers around the country, including gardaí, fire and ambulance services.
A silent Blue Light convoy makes its way through the streets of Dublin (Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie)The day began at 5am with a Parade of Light, featuring a silent convoy of more than 60 emergency service vehicles in Dublin.
The parade symbolised the darkness and chaos many service members face, with the light from the vehicles signifying their dedication and professionalism.
We were honoured to take part in this morning's 'Parade of Light' through the streets of Dublin to mark National Services Day 2021.
Over 60 emergency and security services' vehicles quietly took part.#nationalservicesday #NSD2021 pic.twitter.com/fMO4iaZpJm
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) September 4, 2021
Similar parades also took place in Galway, Cork and Monaghan.
Wreath-laying ceremonies were held around the country, including at Collins Barracks in Dublin, to commemorate service workers who have passed away and for those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland laying a wreath at Collins Barracks (Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie)Taoiseach Micheál Martin meanwhile visited the Irish Naval Service headquarters at Haulbowline in Co. Cork.
The Taoiseach was joined aboard the LE Samuel Beckett by Defence Minister Simon Coveney as it led a flotilla to Cork city.
Delighted to celebrate 75 years of the Irish @naval_service and #NationalServicesDay today.
We pay tribute to the generations of people who have served this country so loyally, so diligently, and so professionally. pic.twitter.com/JubHMBhCK6
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 4, 2021
The event marked both National Services Day and 75 years since the Naval Service's founding.
"We pay tribute to the generations of people who have served this country so loyally, so diligently, and so professionally," tweeted the Taoiseach.
Rescue 116 helicopter performs a fly past at Collins Barracks (Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie)See More: National Services Day
