Historic Moment: Queen Elizabeth Shakes Hands With Former IRA Commander Martin McGuinness

In a historic moment Queen Elizabeth II shook hands with former Irish Republican Army commander Martin McGuinness in a moving symbol of progress towards peace in Northern Ireland. The IRA murdered Queen Elizabeth's beloved cousin and Prince Charles' mentor, Lord Mountbatten. For her to shake his hand was an amazing show of courage and forgiveness. McGuinness now says he wants peace in Northern Ireland and is now the deputy first minister.

Political party Sinn Fein (which is mostly composed of former IRA members) refused to meet the queen when she visited Ireland last year, saying it was too soon for reconciliation. But times have changed and they met the queen when she visited Belfast. The Queen gave McGuinness a warm smile when she met him. She was wearing a green suit to honor Ireland. ABC News reports: