New National Peacekeeping Memorial dedicated in Canberra

A new National Peacekeeping Memorial was dedicated today on Anzac Parade, Canberra – coinciding with the 70th Anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping.

CAPTION: Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove speaks to attendees during the Dedication of the Australian National Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra. Photo by Jay Cronan.

The public event was attended by hundreds of former- and current-serving members of the Australian Defence force, the Australian Federal Police, other Australian State police and civilian peacekeepers.

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove officially dedicated the new memorial.

Governor of New South Wales and Chief Patron of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project General David Hurley, Minister for Veterans Affairs’ Dan Tehan and Chief of the Australian Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin were among the dignitaries and guests who also attended.

The new Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra commemorates the courage, sacrifice and service of Australian peacekeepers and honours Australia’s contribution to international peacekeeping missions since the first UN deployment in 1947.

Since 1947, Australia has provided more than 65,000 military and police personnel to more than 62 United Nations and other multinational peace and security operations around the globe, with 16 peacekeepers losing their lives on their missions.

 

 

Minister Tehan said Australian peacekeepers had been serving somewhere in the world since 1947.

“Australia has made a significant contribution to worldwide peace operations, and today we recognise the peacekeepers who have served, and those who continue to serve, in countries around the world,” he said.

“The Peacekeepers’ Memorial takes its rightful place alongside the memorials honouring Australia’s contribution in wars.

“In doing their duty, Australian peacekeepers have put their lives on the line and, sadly, 16 have paid the ultimate price.

“As a nation we honour the service and sacrifice of every Australian who defends our values and freedoms and today we pay special tribute to our peacekeepers.”

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