This afternoon a Parade of Defence Forces veterans' organisations took place in McKee Barracks, Blackhorse Ave, Dublin 7. The parade was attended by Minister of State Mr. Jack Chambers T.D. accompanied by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy & Secretary General Department of Defence, Ms Jacqui Mc Crum.
The day celebrated our Veterans contribution to the Defence Forces and offered Veterans an opportunity to meet, reminisce and, importantly, pass on their vast experience to our younger soldiers. The focal point of the celebrations this year were 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.
Today’s event included the Transfer of Presidency of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE). Board Chairperson Colm Campbell presented the incoming President, Michael Kinihan, with the Chain of Office and presented the outgoing President, Diarmuid Higgins, with a commemorative medal.
Speaking at the event Board Chairperson for Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE), Brigadier General (Retired) Colm Campbell, stated:
"Veterans are very honoured to have served Ireland and while our country has not been at war since the end of the Civil War in May 1923, Irish Peacekeepers have been deployed in wars or their immediate aftermath without interruption since 1958. This was achieved by one of the smallest military forces in Europe while all elements of the Defence Forces were also, and still are, engaged in in extensive security operations in land, sea and air in Ireland. This could not have been accomplished without the unified effort of all elements of the Defence Forces and the sacrifice of the fallen and their families. Veterans' Day honours this record of outstanding service and honours both living and deceased Defence Forces’ Veterans. ONE warmly welcomes this ceremony and our challenge is to ensure that we honour veterans every day of the year and fulfil our commitment to supporting them in every way that we possibly can to ensure that No Irish Veteran Is Left Behind.”
The President of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers, Brigadier General Séamus Ó Giolláin (Retired), remarked at the event;
"Veterans Day provides an opportunity for veterans to reconnect and renew old friendships and the attendance of Unit, Corps associations and clubs, with whom all veterans can identify, enhances the day. It also reaches out to honour retired members of the Defence Forces and their families. For its part ARCO, in these challenging times for Óglaigh na hÉireann, also sees Veterans Day as an expression of solidarity with serving personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann."
Colonel George Kerton (Retired) from Irish United Nations Veterans Association stated;
“Members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association are pleased to be invited by the Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann to the Annual Veterans Day to commemorate our veteran peacekeepers, especially those who have passed away. We are delighted to meet with serving personnel and with members of other military veterans’ associations to renew old friendships.”
ENDS
