MEMORIAL DAY IN CORK

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States to remember and honour those who have died during service to our nation.  

 

Jerome J. Collins perished on the Lena Delta in Siberia on October 30th, 1881 while officially enlisted and serving in the United States Navy.  When his body was returned to Cork in 1884 with that of his mother's, it is doubtful that his final resting place overlooking the Lee at Curraghkippane was regularly decorated on Memorial Day in honour of his sacrifice to the United States. 

So today, a wreath was placed on Jerome's grave for Memorial Day.  Once again, Ronnie is helping on his side of the pond and has the honour of placing the wreath. Renata made a beautiful laurel wreath with red, white and blue ribbons to commemorate Jerome's service to the US.  

Renata is standing outside her floral shop, and in the background you can see the North Gate Bridge, which is different from the cast iron bridge Jerome engineered in the 1860's.  However, the same water of the Lee still runs through.  Ronnie is wearing his team Jersey for Munster, which he proudly announced in his email they just became the European rugby champions for the 2nd time in 3 years.  

  

Here, Ronnie places the wreath at my request.

Jerome J. Collins (1841-1881) US Navy

Scientific Officer and 

New York Herald Correspondent of the 

Jeannette Arctic Expedition.

ALL Photos courtesy Ronnie Herlihy.