merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe, T.D., today attended the 4th annual Defence Forces’ Veterans Day in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp.  This event was organised by the Defence Forces to acknowledge the contribution that former servicemen and women have provided to the State, both here at home and around the world. 

In welcoming former servicemen and women of the Irish Defence Forces to the event, the Minister stated that “While only in its fourth year (Veteran’s Day), it is already becoming a firm fixture in the Defence Force Calendar.  It is an important day to honour all of those who once wore the uniform of our army, naval service and air corps, who have always been fundamental to the success of the Irish Defence Forces. 

In recognising the generations of dedicated service, the Minister stated that “I would like to pay tribute to you former members of the Defence Forces, for the important role that each of you have played in your career at home and overseas.  Your dedication and service has contributed in no small measure to the excellent reputation of the Defence Forces.”

The Minister presented a Centenary Commemorative Plaque to the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen and women (ONE), the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) to acknowledge the central role played by veterans of the Defence Forces in the 1916 Centenary Commemorative events of last year and to recognise their past service to the State.

Minister Kehoe concluded by remembering “the military personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace.  Many of you here today will remember lost friends and comrades, our soldiers, who did not come home.  You will not forget them, nor shall we.”