Media Library

Speeches

REMARKS AT THE UNVEILING OF THE IRISH UNITED NATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE UNVEILING OF THE IRISH UNITED NATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL, ON SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMB

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of our Defence Forces’ involvement in UN Peacekeeping Missions – and the 20th anniversary of their involvement in the Lebanon. I thank the Irish United Nations Veterans Association for inviting me to play a part in the commemoration of Irish people who have paid a great personal price, while serving with the United Nations - be it through injury or, in the case of 75 unfortunate people, the ultimate price of life itself. Many of those losses have been in the Lebanon, which represents the biggest commitment of Irish personnel to the United Nations over the years. So it is timely in this anniversary year to remember those who have lost their lives or have been injured on UN service - and to give a special thought for their families and loved ones, whose suffering goes on to this day.

The reputation and standing of the Irish Defence Forces in the service of the United Nations throughout the World is exemplary – and I want to give recognition and to pay tribute to those Irish men and women who have been and are serving with the UN in many areas of the world, where Irish participation has made such a major contribution to the quality of the service which the United Nations gives in those troubled regions.

For a small country, Ireland makes a significant contribution to UN missions. While today there are 750 personnel serving overseas - the Irish Defence Forces have in total contributed over 45,000 personnel – serving with patience, discipline and professionalism - often praised for their qualities of understanding, firmness and impartiality when dealing with groups from different cultural backgrounds – and earning international respect as a body of people willing to contribute to the cause of peace in a constructive and worthwhile way.

My first trip abroad as President was to the Lebanon to see at first hand their invaluable work. During that visit I was struck by the work of the contingent, and particularly the work which is over an above what could be considered their “official” mission - in helping the local Lebanese communities in their areas of operation - whether in the construction of a school bomb shelter or a medical clinic - a community library or an orphanage - or in helping a local to rebuild a bombed house. The generosity of spirit and goodwill shown by members of “Irishbatt” has, quite obviously, had a very positive impact on relations with these Lebanese communitie - and is a reflection, I think, of that same sense of community for which Ireland is renowned. I was also struck by the great camaraderie - the bonds of friendship and support that can only come out of being in those situations - transcending rank and religion as a ‘common denominator’.

I think today that we should also consider and recognise the considerable sacrifices which many families are making through the absence from home of a loved one on a tour of duty with the UN – and the encouragement which they give to those serving overseas where the burden can sometimes be considerable. The encouragement given by families has been a vital element in the success of the many Irish contingents serving overseas.

I know that in Ireland especially we are very conscious of the value of peace – and that we live in hope that we are finally on the verge of a lasting settlement which will allow all traditions on this island to live side by side in mutual respect and harmony. We realise too that the throughout the world there are many areas of conflict where the services of UN personnel are still required. While we are approaching a new era of hope in Ireland – we know too that the members of the Irish Defence Forces will continue to be available to work in the cause of international peace – and that there will always be a need for the services of the dedicated, committed, professional members of the Irish Defence Forces. peace keepers of their quality for many years to come.

Today we particularly remember all of those 75 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace overseas – we remember the terrible tragedy of Niemba in 1960 – and the many who have died since then – right up to the tragic death last year of Sgt. John Lynch who lost his life in a helicopter crash in the Lebanon. We also remember the many who were injured during their tours of duty – and, of course, we are mindful of the families who lost their loved ones and whose great loss is still with them. In unveiling this memorial, I know that our thoughts and prayers are with them all today.

ENDS