Veterans and families gather to remember Carlow's war dead
Piper Patrick Nolan from the Killeshin Pipe Band plays ‘The Lament’ at the Post 29 Carlow annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Church of the Holy Family, Carlow Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
A COMMEMORATIVE service in honour of soldiers who died while serving overseas was held recently in Askea, Carlow, while certificates were also presented in honour of people who served in the Democratic Republic of The Congo.
The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) Post 29 unit in Carlow hosted its annual Mass and wreath-laying service in Holy Family Church, Askea, with celebrant Fr Tom Little.
Fr Little also said prayers at a wreath-laying service at a commemorative monument outside the church, when wreaths were laid down in a touching ceremony by family members of those who have died.
This year, there was another element to the annual wreath-laying ceremony when the national executive of the United Nations Veterans Association issued certificates in appreciation for surviving and deceased soldiers who served in the Democratic Republic of The Congo in Africa from 1960 to 1964. The certificates were issued to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the United Nations-led operation there.
The certificates were presented to the family members in the Éire Óg Clubhouse after the wreath-laying ceremony, while similar events were held all over Ireland.
The IUNVA Post 29 is always looking for new members. Anyone who has served or who is currently serving with the United Nations is eligible for membership.
They meet up on the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm in the Éire Óg Clubhouse. If you need any more information about the criteria for joining the post or would like to know more about the certificate for The Congo service, please contact John Kelly on 087 9293661 or Hugh Kelly on 087 6719154.
