On July l2th 2009, some of the members of Brantwood Military Heritage Association
and their wives were fortunate enough to be included on the guest-list of President
McAleese's Annual Garden Party.
We were very warmly received by the President and her husband, and enjoyed their
very generous hospitality at ARAS AN UACHTARAIN.













We were splendidly entertained by the pipes and drums of the P.S.N.L and the band of
the An Garda Siochana. The event was a celebration of cultural diversity for mutual
benefit which dispels many myths. Such an ongoing event incrementally supports the
Process.











Others present included Fachtna Murphy, Commissioner of An Garda Siochana and
Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Lieut Gen. Dermot Earley, along with
representatives from Orange Lodges, the loyalist community and Methodist church.
Chelsea pensioners and members of victim support group from South East Fermanagh
Foundation were among the community groups present.














The garden party was very symbolic as to how Ireland as a country is moving forward.
When President McAleese made her speech she stated "We have not always used the
past wisely, or well, but we share a commitment to using the present to the best of our
abilities to be more generous, respectful and caring of one another.» She invited us to
enjoy each other's company and to not be afraid to offer our hand to a perfect stranger
- it is the only way to stop being strangers. She told us to enjoy the house, the
hospitality, and the music and what she hoped would be happy memories - which it
was. A most enjoyable day with many warm memories for those of us in Brantwood
Military Heritage Association who were fortunate enough to attend.