A Parade of Defence Forces veterans organisations will take place the grounds of the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin on the Saturday 11th May 2019 and all Defence Forces Veterans are cordially invited. The day will celebrate our Veterans contribution to the Defence Forces and offers Veterans an opportunity to meet, reminisce and, importantly, pass on their vast experience to our younger soldiers. The Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach with Special Responsibility for Defence. Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D. accompanied by Chief of Staff will be in attendance.
The focal point of the celebrations this year will be a ceremonial parade involving representative bodies from the Brigades, Formation and Services of the Permanent Defence Force alongside their retired colleagues and comrades; with representative bodies from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers.
If you have a friend or family member who previously served with the Defence Forces please let them know about the event and encourage them to come along.
Outline of the Ceremony:
- Recital by the IUNVA Pipe Band.
- Arrival of the Lord Mayor of Dublin [Military Honours].
- Arrival of the Minister with Responsibility for Defence [Military Honours].
- Veterans on Parade.
- Ministerial Review of Veterans.
- Minister's Address.
- Offering of Prayers.
- Wreath Laying Ceremony.
- One Minute of Silence.
- Piper's Lament.
- Last Post.
- Adjustment of National Flag to Full-Mast.
- Reveille.
- National Anthem.
- Refreshments.
