John Hume, his life and work, will be remembered today in a St. Patrick's Day online gathering
By Irish Echo Staff
The life and legacy of the late John Hume will be remembered this St. Patrick's Day by way of an online gathering hosted by the Irish Embassy in Washington, D.C, the Hume Foundation, and the congressional Friends of Ireland - which is marking its 40th anniversary.
The online gathering at 3.30 Eastern is viewable at RememberingJohnHume.com and will feature a range of high-profile political figures who know and worked with Hume in advancing the peace process.
Also, a documentary on Hume, "In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America," is being aired this week on PBS stations, including the World Channel on the 17th (check listings).
The film, with an introduction by President Bill Clinton, is written and directed by Maurice Fitzpatrick, with narration by Liam Neeson and original score by Bill Whelan of Riverdance fame.
Said a release: The film pays homage to the personal courage and perseverance of John Hume. It acknowledges the key role of the United States in supporting the Northern Ireland peace process and in leading historic negotiations between warring parties. The film is a timely reminder that peace and reconciliation must be constantly pursued. Let me know if one of your reporters would like a word with Maurice.
"This documentary, 'In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America,' shows how legendary Irish politician, John Hume, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Peace Prize, was inspired by the American Civil Rights movement to harness the power of Irish-America and cultivate relationships with the White House and U.S. Congress to bring peace to Northern Ireland.
"This biography of John Hume’s lifelong work traces the history and evolution of the peace process from the early beginnings of the civil rights campaign that sought equality for the disenfranchised nationalist minority in Northern Ireland in the 1960s; through the violent era of 'The Troubles' of following decades; culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 brokered by the United States government.
It is an inspiring account of the bravery and determination of one man and his partnership with successive U.S. Administrations and senior Irish-American politicians, who provided courageous and unstinting support for peace and reconciliation in the North of Ireland, following core principles of non- violence, respect, economic investment, education, and equality.
"Filmed in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, featuring the participation of former U.S. Presidents Clinton and Carter, British and Irish Prime Ministers, Senators, Congressional Representatives, politicians, diplomats, historians, and journalists, the film gives a first-hand account of the critical role of U.S. involvement in Northern Ireland peace process, in the words of those who were there and worked with John Hume towards the common goals of peace and unity.
"With access to the top layers of the U.S. government and political institutions, the documentary provides a behind-the-scenes insight into what it took to bring peace to a divided land. "This film pays homage to the personal
courage and perseverance of John Hume. It acknowledges the key role of the United States in supporting the Northern Ireland peace process and in leading historic negotiations between warring parties. The film is a timely reminder that peace and reconciliation must be constantly pursued."
