2008 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THE DEFENCE FORCES FROM PRESIDENT McALEESE TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2008
2008 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THE DEFENCE FORCES FROM PRESIDENT McALEESE TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2008
At this Christmas time it gives me great pleasure to extend warm season’s greetings to each and every member of our Defence Forces, to those of you who are stationed here in Ireland and to those of you who are serving abroad, and to your families and loved ones at this special time of year. Many of you will be on duty over Christmas, some at home and others serving in many far-flung places around the globe. Your commitment and your dedication to the cause of peace and security is exemplary and is greatly appreciated both at home and abroad, all the more because we know the sacrifices it entails and the generosity of spirit with which you make those sacrifices.
2008 was a special year for our Defence Forces. It marked the 50th Anniversary of Ireland’s first overseas contribution to the United Nations. As this year draws to a close, we can reflect that from our very first mission to Lebanon in June 1958 to the present day, Irish service men and women have earned their unique place in the ranks of international peacekeeping leaving the soft and caring imprint of our militarily neutral and non-aligned nation in many hearts and homes where you made all the difference in the world. Through the many missions and the remarkable number of individual tours of duty that have been undertaken, Ireland can be justifiably proud of her defence forces personnel.
We remember with sadness all those who gave their lives in service with the U.N. For their families Christmas is always particularly poignant and sad. For other families whose loved ones are on duty over Christmas the separation will also be hard. But there is a bond of kinship and camaraderie, a profound love of country and of peace that keeps the spirits high and makes space for the joy of this festive season.
To each member of our Defence Forces, to their families and to everyone watching and listening at home,I send the warmest of greetings and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.