International Peacekeepers March in Brisbane

UNAA United Nations Association of Australia

Jun 5, 2009 Laura Restrepo Ortega

The International Peacekeepers March in Brisbane, Australia, was a successful event organised and coordinated by the UNAA, United Nations Association of Australia.

On Sunday May 31st 2009, a small crowd of mostly middle-aged men wearing blue berets started gathering at 9.30 am outside Brisbane's City Hall. Many of them knew each other from their deployment, but even those who weren't previously acquainted warmly greeted each other, a sense of brotherhood uniting them.

Most of them have served in countries like Cambodia, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Kuwait, and many more. Coming from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, these men and women have served the UN and have made Australia proud since their involvement in peacekeeping commenced in 1947 in Indonesia.

March and Ceremony

A small but solemn occasion, the Peacekeepers March is a chance to reunite, and show love, support and appreciation to those who have bravely put their lives at risk for peace around the world. The group marched two blocks on Adelaide Street, and were beautifully lead by the Australian Military Band from Brisbane. Traffic was diverted as they made their way from City Hall towards ANZAC Square.

At their arrival, the Anglican Church Grammar School band took over the music, and the ceremony began.

Virginia Balmain, president of the UNAA in Brisbane, opened the ceremony, and was followed by words from Kathy Rynders, Brisbane's Deputy Police Commissioner, and sixteen-year old Nicky Rigglette.

Nicky talked about the United Nations Peace Keepers often being left as forgotten veterans. She read out a poem she wrote for her father, who died in 2004 during his deployment. Her words touched everyone present, and they resonated through the small crowd.

Her words arose the question, why are Peacekeepers not recognised, celebrated and thanked as other war veterans are? Do they not leave their families and risk their lives? This event was a reminder to all present of the vital role the UN Peacekeepers play.

The crisp morning sun was shining through the chubby bottle trees that decorate and shade ANZAC Square. The special guests were seated by the podium, and friends, family and spontaneous spectators stood in the tranquil park.

Wreaths of flowers were placed over the plaque which was dedicated to Australian Peacekeepers by the UNAA in 2001, and the names of the 64 countries where they have served were read out. It was easy to see in the faces of families, friends and the Peacekeepers themselves, that doing this job is only for the strongest. Military training is only the beginning, as many of the situations they are faced with are volatile ones, and very difficult to deal with.

The Peacekeepers

Kathy, who has served as a communicator for the Blue Berets for over 30 years, says she had bigger plans for herself, she wanted to be a Blue Beret. "But back then, things didn't work that way. I got married, had my kids, and then went back, but still as a communicator." She has several medals for her work. Her son is now a Peace Keeper, currently in deployment in Afghanistan. She says he'll be sent next to try to stop the Somali pirates.

For Kathy and her family, it's in the blood. And it has to be. This job is difficult, trying and dangerous, but equally rewarding. For some families, it means losing a loved one. But for many more families over seas, it meant peace, security and their human rights enforced.

To learn more about Australian Peacekeepers, visit their website.

The copyright of the article International Peacekeepers March in Brisbane in Activism is owned by Laura Restrepo Ortega. Permission to republish International Peacekeepers March in Brisbane in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Blue Beret