50 years of peacekeeping marked
Thursday, 26 June 2008 22:05
The Defence Forces have celebrated 50 years of peacekeeping duties overseas.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen attended a parade in Dublin and laid a wreath in memory of 85 soldiers who lost their lives while serving abroad.
Some of the veterans who served on the first mission to Lebanon in 1958 were at this afternoon's ceremony at McKee Barracks.
The ceremony was also attended by the Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Dermot Earley.
In his speech, Mr Cowen said Ireland remains resolutely committed to the important work of peace.
Mr Cowen said we should all be proud of the many talented Irish men and women who have served this country and the cause of peace with distinction.
The first peacekeepers from Ireland were deployed on a UN mission to Lebanon in 1958.
Since then many thousands of Irish soldiers have served in over 70 missions around the world.
At present there are over 800 men and women serving abroad. The biggest missions are in Chad and Kosovo.
Lt Gen Earley said the Defence Forces are mindful of the sacrifices made by Irish soldiers but are also looking to the future development of their overseas capability.
