UN Veterans host annual commemoration at Ballyglass
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The flag at the Post 20 United Nations Irish Veterans Organisation annual commemoration at Ballyglass on Saturday 25 July.Image 2 of 7
Cllr Bill Collentine, An Cathaoirleach Westmeath County Council.Image 3 of 7
Tony Corrigan, Post 20 IUNVA.Image 4 of 7
Eamon McGowan, Mullingar Tidy Towns.Image 5 of 7
Martin Moffatt, Civil Defence.Image 6 of 7
David Gibson Brabazon, Royal British Legion.Image 7 of 7
The United Nations Irish Veterans Organisation memorial at Ballyglass Cemetery.The Post 20 United Nations Irish Veterans Organisation held their annual commemoration day at the Ballyglass monument on Saturday 25 July. Speaking at the event, Tony Corrigan Post 20 IUNVA, said: “Today we had our annual commemoration day at the monument in Ballyglass to commemorate those who were killed, the 88 soldiers killed overseas. That’s from the Congo, which started in 1961, right up to the present day.
“This year terminates our involvement with the United Nations in Lebanon due to Russia and America vetoing the continuation of the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
“We remember them here because we started here about 20 years ago with the idea that we would build a monument inside the graveyard.
“We approached the council and the graveyard committee and they granted us a plot, which you can see today, where we built the monument – totally funded by Post 20 members.
“You’ll see three granite or marble stones and on them are the names of 88 members of people who died in service. Our job is to remember them because they can be easily forgotten in history.”
The veterans have honoured that commitment in more ways than one. In the memorial there are six burial plots, in three of which lie those who had no family to bury them.
An Cathaoirleach Westmeath County Council Cllr Bill Collentine spoke at the memorial event: “Thank you for inviting me to join you for this important occasion and for the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Westmeath in memory of all those members of the Irish Peacekeeping Service, men and women.
“Today we gather not only to commemorate, but more importantly to remember and honour the servicemen and women of Post 20 and Irish UN Veterans Association who have passed away over the years.
“It is heartening to know that these veterans are not forgotten. I have been attending this service since 2005 and I still feel that it is special to mark this occasion every year so that the memory of those who served and those who have gone before us is never forgotten.
“Ireland has a long and proud tradition of peacekeeping dating to 1958.
“Our servicemen and women have served with courage, dedication, distinction in peacekeeping missions across the world to bring hope and stability and peace to communities affected by conflict.
“This memorial was built by members of the Veterans Association and is a lasting fitting tribute to the men and women we honour today people who dedicated themselves to the cause of peace and freedom.
“I would like to acknowledge the members of the Veterans Association for the care and dedication they show in maintaining this memorial throughout the year. Their commitment ensures that the sacrifices of those who served are remembered with dignity that they deserve.
“It is vital that this annual commemoration continues for generations to come so that we never forget the service and sacrifice of our peacekeepers.
“As we remember those who have passed away, we also extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers who organised today’s ceremony.
“Finally, it is wonderful to see so many people gathered here today to pray and remember and honour and pay tribute to our deceased veterans. Your presence is a fitting mark of respect and gratitude that they so rightfully deserve.”