On April 24, 1916, a band of rebels took up arms at Dublin’s General Post Office to declare Irish independence from the British Empire. England was asking young men from around the empire to fight and die on foreign shores for the cause of freedom in World War I, and the patriots of the Easter Rising felt that they should do the same in their home country. They fought for five days and held their own before finally giving themselves up to prevent more bloodshed in this losing battle.

These patriots, martyrs for the cause of Irish Freedom, are still remembered today in annual memorial celebrations like this one held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Anaheim, CA. The event consisted of songs, a marching company and speeches, both of the time and reflective, to honor their sacrifice.