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www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 11 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' ONE'S ANNUAL FUCHSIA APPEAL BY SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PHOTOS BY SGT MICK BURKE O n 27th June, The Organisation of National Ex- Service Personnel (ONE) launched their 10th annual Fuchsia Appeal in aid of Defence Forces veterans who have fallen on hard times. The launch took place at the national memorial on Merrion Square, where the Defence Forces regularly honours members who gave their lives in the service of the state; a place that has become synonymous with respect to our fallen comrades. Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, launched the appeal, which was attended by Minister with Respon- sibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe TD, and other VIPs and members of the General Staff. ONE continues to carry out their primary objective: 'to en- sure the welfare of ex-service personnel by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required.' The Fuchsia Appeal raises much-needed funds to assist ONE in providing accommodation for homeless, elderly or disabled former members of the DF who are in need. ONE does this through its three hostels in Letterkenny, Athlone and Dublin. The largest of these, the six-storey Brú na Bh- fiann, located just off Smithfield in Dublin city centre, can accommodate up to 30 residents, while Beechwood House (Letterkenny) and Custume House (Athlone) can each ac- commodate seven. Residents are housed and provided with long- or short-term care on a means tested basis. The Fuchsia Appeal is launched to coincide with the month of the National Day of Remembrance (July), which commemorates all Irish men and women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. On the 8th July, Ireland celebrated its 60th Anniversary of unbroken service to Peacekeeping with the United Nations in Kil- mainham Hospital. In his speech after greeting those attending the launch, ONE CEO Ollie O'Connor thanked Minister Kehoe, DoD Sec Gen, Maurice Quinn, and Vice Admiral Mellett, for their continued assistance with veteran needs. He also explained: "Residents stay here for many reasons, including marital breakdown, financial difficulties or other social reasons that render them homeless. It is our aim to offer accommodation to those in need at a particular time in their life, with the intention for them to move on when their life has become more settled." Ollie went on to outline ONE's plans to expand its net- work with a further 11 veteran support centres around the country, and he also praised other veteran associations for their support of veterans. Addressing the gathering, Minister Kehoe said it was fit- ting to have the launch at the national memorial, consider- ing that 87 members of the Defence Forces have lost their lives in the service of peace. A few weeks previously on Sunday 13th May 2018 Minister Keogh spoke at the Defence Forces Veterans' Day at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Bks saying: "For 60 years the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces have contributed to the cause of peace all around the world in places like Lebanon, the Congo, the Golan Heights, Chad, Liberia, East Timor and Syria, to name but a few; serving with honour and distinction. "The Fuchsia Appeal raises valuable funds greatly needed to look after the needs and welfare of ex-service personnel. Indeed, the word 'cuimhnímis', meaning 'let us remember', is stamped on the Fuchsia Appeal badge in remembrance of those who have served and those who have given their lives while serving...We will not forget them." This year the Fuchsia badge received great prominence when all cabinet members wore it on the National Day of Commemoration and An Taoiseach also wore and it when he met Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the recent royal visit. ONE constantly needs funding to support our veterans, and they are seeking corporate sponsorship from com- panies who might like to sponsor a room in a hostel, or sponsor a veteran's support centre, or support their efforts in any other way. The registered charity's contact details are: ONE HQ, Brú na Bhfiann, Smithfield Market, North King Street, Dublin 7. Ph: 01 485 0666. Email: info@oneconnect.ie or visit www.oneconnect.ie (l/r): ONE National President Tom James, Admiral Mark Mellett, Minister Keogh, ONE CEO Ollie O'Connor and ONE Chairman Brig Gen Colm Campbell Retd. DF Veterans supporting the launch in Merrion Square. Members of Dáil Éireann and the General Staff supporting the launch with veterans.

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