Not to belabor the flag removal scene from last night, but here are a couple of photos from it. Three of us found it fascinating enough to post stories about it. So, here are two of the photos that moderately turned out from our vantage point of dark, shadowy cover. Notice in one that the person is wrapped in the "Union Jack." In different areas of the world, including Derry, the flag may be called the "Butcher's Apron," according to our tour guide Eamon Deane. This would be for the violence that Britain has used in its imperial past to obtain lands and goods.
So, aside from Unionist/Loyalist/Nationalist/Republican ideologies...
Tonight three of us went to Mass at a church in the Bogside area of town. It was nice to be in a peaceful place, celebrating Mass. Though the Catholic Mass would be part of the identity of the Nationalists, we went to celebrate God with other people. I have felt a bit voyeuristic as I've moved through the town (as evidenced by my pictures above). Even when talking with folks in the pub, I fully realize that they are the true experts in the effects and after-effects of the Troubles on own lives, having lived in this environment. Attending church provided me with a sense of actually being in this town. It was calm, peaceful, and without obvious signs of division or grabbing for identity.
The homily spoke of hope for the world through a little baby, the King of Kings, born in the humblest of backdrops. The priest also spoke about the three Magi, who did not know exactly where they were going when they started their journey, but they were lead to Jesus and given the gift of understanding that they looked upon the Prince of Peace. It was beautiful.
Next week we get into peace building and understanding that is required to keep people moving forward. I am really looking forward to that.
I hope to continue through the days ahead looking for those who seek peace and not be continuously piqued by the strong signs of separation that exist here. I also hope to further explore some of the ideas that Charlie placed at our feet regarding the differences on maintaining "the peace." One is generally a quick fix but causes a feeling of unease. Long term, it can harden people to the effects of violence and make barriers to peace more difficult. That is deploying hard-line tactics to protect a riot-less environment from those who might do others harm (i.e. a show of a "protective" police or military force and separation by fences). The other is to understand and respect the human beings who make up the other side in order to achieve a safe environment.
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