Services pay tribute to fallen soldiers

A HOST of ceremonies took place north and south yesterday to remember soldiers who had died during battle and while on duty.

Remembrance Day services took place at several locations nationwide for those who had died in wars.

Marking the 89th anniversary of the end of World War I, President Mary McAleese attended a service of remembrance at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

Also in attendance was Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche, as well as servicemen and their families. Ceremonies were marked in the North and in Britain by a two-minute silence.

Fallen comrades were remembered in Limerick by the Royal Munster Fusiliers, who laid a wreath of poppies at the war memorial in Perry Square.

The Irish United Nations Veterans’ Association held a ceremony at its Dublin headquarters. Up to 350 people attended the ceremony in honour of the 89 people who have died on peacekeeping duty since 1960.

Relatives of Corporal Gary Morrow, 20, Private Peter Burke, 20, and Private Thomas Murphy, 19, were also in attendance. The three soldiers were shot dead 25 years ago on October 27 by Michael McAleavey, who was recently granted a prison transfer to the North.

The last post was played by a band from the 5th battalion.

Addressing families, war veterans and officials with the veterans’ association at Arbour House, Dublin, the Defence Force’s Chief of Staff praised those who had made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives while serving abroad.

Lieutenant General Dermot Earley said: “All of these people — soldiers, gardaí and civilians — have created a reputation in solving international conflict, of fairness, being humane, having no other agenda, bringing peace to a community, nation or nations and regions, of good humour, of respect for culture, religions and beliefs, of being strong when required and fearless when it mattered.”

At the wreath-laying ceremony, he described how Ireland was preparing to celebrate 50 years of peacekeeping.

It was a proud moment since that first operation in 1958, in Lebanon, attendees were told.

Lt Gen Earley saluted the support for army members from families, especially the ones whose loved ones had died on duty. Having just returned from observing Irish troops train in sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic Circle in training for deployments under the Nordic Battle Group, the army chief also referred to Ireland’s preparation for the upcoming mission to Chad, in northern Africa.