The Irish who died on United Nations peacekeeping duties were honoured in Dublin yesterday.
The 90 names of those who lost their lives, while serving in Congo, Cyprus, Lebanon and the Middle-East, are carved in stone in the memorial garden in Arbour Hill, next to where the 1916 leaders are remembered.
A quotation in a pamphlet, specially prepared for the ceremony, read: "Your names are etched into the pages of our history, and, more importantly, into our hearts. We salute you today and always."
President of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Maj Gen Vincent F Savino said the annual wreath-laying ceremony was first held 17 years ago. "We have over 700 members now, all around the State, and in England."
Maj Gen Savino served in Congo, Cyprus, Middle East and Lebanon. He began his long career of peacekeeping duties when he was sent to the Congo in 1962.
"It was grim. We were badly prepared. In fact, were were not prepared at all. We had none of the comforts of home, none of the clothing , proper living accommodation and so on. It is much better today."
The neat memorial garden has been maintained by association members. Michael Prince, a retired Air Corps sergeant, explained that 10 members undertook the work during the summer.
The attendance at the ceremony included Lord Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson; Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Jim Sreenan and Assistant Chief of Staff Maj Gen Dermot Earley; Assistant Garda Commissioner Al McHugh and local Labour TD Joe Costello.
Prayers were said by the head chaplain to the Defence Forces, Fr Eoin Tynne, and the Dean of Kildare, Very Rev John Marsden.
There was a piper's lament, Tom Kenny read his poem, Always Remember, and the Last Post was sounded before the raising of the national flag and the playing of the national anthem.
