Commemoration ceremonies will be held around the country in honour of all those who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially frontline staff, as part of National Services Day next month.
Details of a series of events were announced today including a parade of light and an art and photographic exhibition.
Speaking at the launch at Dublin Castle, Seamus O'Neill, of Frontline Emergency and Security Services Eire Forum (FESSEF), said: "Those that have really brought this country through the crisis have been workers on the front line and this is way of paying homage to them".
The exhibition, which runs until 28 August, shows art work by members and photographs of others carrying out their duties during the pandemic.
National Services Day has been held on the first Saturday in September since 2018.
It is organised by FESSEF, a volunteer-led effort, in recognition of Ireland's emergency and frontline services.
Following a low-key event last year, a number of events will be held around the country this year.
Members of @Fessefforum1 representing some of the Frontline and Voluntary Services at the launch of an art and photography exhibition at @dublincastleopw More from @Dyaneconnor on @rtenews at Nine. pic.twitter.com/R7N4HuWCwr
— Micheal Mac Suibhne (@MicMacSuibh) August 20, 2021
The day will begin with a parade of light at dawn in Dublin with around 150 emergency service vehicles expected to take part.
A commemoration ceremony will be held at Collins Barracks in the city in the afternoon.
"We'll pay tribute to all those who died during Covid, especially members of the frontline service who died and who are currently sick because of Covid-19," Mr O Neill said.
Parades, wreath-laying events and commemoration ceremonies will also taken place across the country including in Cork, Galway, Wexford and Monaghan.
