I realised last weekend but managed to forget about it all day yesterday. Yesterday was 28th September: Ulster Day - the 93rd anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant throughout Ulster, signifying the people of Ulster's opposition to the plans for Home Rule being introduced; an act that would see Ulster under the control of a Dublin parliament. There's more on the covenant at Wikipedia.

In most other places in the world a day as significant as this in the history of a country, significant enough for Rudyard Kipling to write the poem "Ulster" would be marked as a national holiday and celebrated. In Northern Ireland it is conveniently ignored. It should be a public holiday.

Follow up:

I realise it would be a challenge to keep the celebrations free from being overrun by sectarian elements, but if celebrated in the right way it could be a great occasion. I feel it would act as something to give the people here back some level of confidence in their identity (admittedly, probably largely the Unionist community but if that imbalance can be addressed then all the better!)

Lord Carson, for example, was a great man, much greater than any of the Unionist leaders of today. Yet how many folk actually know much about him? This could be a great opportunity to ensure that young people learn that there is more to their history and culture and identity than a continuous tribal war.

28th September - Ulster Day.

As the 100th anniversary approaches it's even more important that the events of that day are not forgotten.