The 94th anniversary of the 1916 Rising was being commemorated today at a ceremony outside the GPO in Dublin.
A wreath-laying event will also take place in Glasnevin Cemetery this afternoon.
More than 300 members of the Defence Forces, President McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen turned out at the GPO to honour those who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Some 94 years ago on Dublin's O'Connell Street leaders of the rising and their followers charged the GPO, expelled customers and staff, and took a number of British soldiers prisoner.
Two flags were then hoisted on either end of the GPO roof, the tricolour at the right corner and a green flag with the inscription 'Irish Republic' at the left corner.
A short time later, Padraic Pearse read the Proclamation of the Republic outside the landmark building.
Today the Proclamation was to once again be read out by Captain Eoghan O'Sullivan.