-- Kaye Payne" <kayepayne@bigpond.com> wrote in message news:0_YDf.232766$V7.195108@news-server.bigpond.net.au... > Hi, > > I am back to researching my husband's Irish relations. The following verse > written about a man who died young has just turned up regarding one of > them. I am wondering about the last line - a red cross be raised and am > asking if anyone would know why the mention of the red cross. The Northern > Ireland flag has a red cross on white and as the family came from > Killargue County Leitrim North Ireland to Australia I wonder if it refers > to that flag. The family seemed to say they came from North Ireland as > opposed to Northern Ireland. > > Kaye Payne > > He has passed from this world with its strife and its care, > From the lingering sickness which bore down his frame; > He has gone to the mansions, so bright and so fair, > Where rest, joy, and peace there never can wane. > Then grieve not for him for his soul is at rest' > In the sweet Saviour's arms in that land of the blest. > > His innocent youth, and his sweet smile has gone > And his playful jollity ne'er can return, > And the radiance glad from his countenance chase > Has now in its happiness found a new home. > Then in joy or in sorrow we'll think of his name, > And the tie of affection shall still be the same. > > As brother and comrade in black we shall mourn, > And the gay scarlet stripes shall be hid from the view, > The mark of the cross to his grave shall be borne, > And the white covered o'er by the apron of blue. > Then in green or in gold let his body be placed, > And over his headstone, a red cross be raised. Good morning from the Gold Coast Kaye Perhaps this answers your question: Source: The Monarchy Today - Symbols and Flags The cross saltire of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, is a diagonal red cross on a white ground. This was combined with the previous Union Flag of St George and St Andrew, after the Act of Union of Ireland with England (and Wales) and Scotland on 1 January 1801, to create the Union Flag that has been flown ever since. Best regards Elly > >