An Cosantóir October 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie
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REPoRt & PhotoS by SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD
veterans day
Commemoration
O
n Saturday 10th September at McKee bks, Dub-
lin, as part of Defence Forces Veterans Day, the
Minister of State with responsibility for De-
fence, Mr Paul Kehoe tD, along with the Chief of Staff,
Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, commemorated and
honoured the service of former servicemen and women
and their families.
All those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving
at home or overseas were commemorated with a wreath
laying ceremony led by Minister Kehoe and representa-
tives of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers
(ARCO), the Irish United Nations Veterans Association
(IUNVA), and the Organisation of National Ex-Service
Personnel (ONE).
This was the third Veterans Day, with the main com-
memorations taking place previously in the DFTC (2014)
and Collins Bks, Cork (2015).
One of those present at the ceremony was Tony Grant
from IUNVA Post 24, whose father, Coy Sgt Felix Grant,
was the first member of the Defence Forces to die on
overseas service when he passed away after an operation
in the Congo, while serving with 33 Inf Bn ONUC.
L/R: Patrick Flavin, St Conleth's Branch (Newbridge) ONE;
Tony Grant, Post 24 (Clonmel) IUNVA; and Col George
Kerton (retd) ARCO.
ONE members marching on parade.
IUNVA members marching on parade.
ARCO members marching on parade.
Minister Kehoe inspecting and greeting members of IUNVA.
Minister Kehoe and veteran association
representatives laid a wreath.
