The Chief of the Defence Staff laid a wreath at the Cenotaph yesterday (26 May) in remembrance of the 4,200 United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is marked annually on 29 May.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin was joined by marching detachments from regiments and units who have recently served on UN operations in Mali, Cyprus and South Sudan.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:
“I’m proud that the UK Armed Forces work to support and protect vulnerable people in communities across the globe. Today we stand alongside our international allies and partners to remember all those who serve on UN Peacekeeping missions.”
The wreath-laying ceremony, hosted by the United Nations Association Westminster, also involved music by The Band of The Grenadier Guards.
Soldiers and officers from 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, British Army, were represented in the marching detachment at the ceremony after recently returning from Operation TRENTON in South Sudan, where the UK Armed Forces work to ensure peace and stability.
Their contribution to the UN Mission in South Sudan includes engineering support and a field hospital to care for UN personnel in Bentiu. The UN works to deliver humanitarian aid, promote peaceful dialogue and support former child soldiers in the country.
Representatives from The Light Dragoons and 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglians were present at the Cenotaph after returning from operational service in Mali. The UK’s Long Range Reconnaissance Group has helped gather intelligence to support UN operations to protect vulnerable populations, support the French Armed Forces and hold back Daesh and Al-Qaeda.
Wreaths were also laid at the Cenotaph on behalf of the Government, the diplomatic corps, bereaved families of UN Peacekeepers and UK civilians working in support of the UN.
