[Retrospective]
It was on Thursday, May 31, 2018, that the International Association of Peace Soldiers – Soldiers of Peace International Association (AISP/SPIA) was at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, bringing together more than 350 people to celebrate International Peacekeepers’ Day. This day particularly marked the history of the NGO and all Peacekeepers as it celebrated the 70th anniversary of peacekeeping operations.
The Association Intern aimed to firmly establish in people’s memories a day dedicated to celebrating the Blue Helmets. It was then in 2002 that the UN General Assembly established an International Day of the Blue Helmets by the adoption of resolution 57/129, to be observed every May 29. This date marks the first peacekeeping operation.
The purpose of this day is:
- To honor the memory of the UN Peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of peace.
- To pay tribute to all those, men and women, who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their professionalism, dedication, and courage.
That is why May 29 is International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
This year, the AISP/SPIA celebrated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers for the first time on May 29 under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and for the second time on May 31 in Geneva. Thus, all Peacekeepers from all continents could be brought together on the same day to honor this cause.
Let us remember that this day also took place in Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
On the occasion of this international day on May 29, AISP/SPIA, in partnership with La Poste, was able to launch in France a stamp paying tribute to the Blue Helmets. This ceremony took place at the Hôtel de Brienne, headquarters of the Ministry of Armed Forces, in the presence of Madame Darrieussecq, Secretary of State for the Armed Forces in charge of veterans. The Minister was able to unveil the stamp, and we also had the opportunity to present our exhibition to her. The day continued under the Arc de Triomphe for a rekindling of the flame, paying tribute to all the Blue Helmets.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers began on the morning of May 31, 2018, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. It started with an opening speech by Mr. Oscar Ivanova, Project and International Relations Officer at AISP/SPIA, who notably welcomed all guests, including Blue Helmets and civilians, and presented the day’s program.
Laurent ATTAR BAYROU, president of AISP/SPIA, during his speech, reminded us of the challenges of maintaining peace over the past 70 years and the sacrifices of soldiers who have served under the United Nations colors in the name of peace. He also presented the programs offered by the NGO: Young Peacemakers, Sports and Health for the Promotion of Peace, Peace Academy, ASSEO, Environment, and Humanitarian.
Subsequently, a brief ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere, highlighting the strong sense of honor highly valued among these soldiers. The president notably had the opportunity to award a French blue helmet to a member of the Czech delegation following a long-standing promise.
The day then continued, between the younger generation and experienced soldiers, towards a photo session in front of the famous aligned flags of the United Nations and the Globe monument in the Palace garden. These moments gave us the impression that we ultimately shared only one common goal: that of peace. We were all gathered and united at the heart of this place, the Palais des Nations, known to all and symbolically representing the maintenance of peace.
We could feel the admiration and wonder of the children present, as well as the euphoria of the United Nations peacekeeping soldiers from around the world, being united for the same cause held in the hearts of all.
In the second part of the day, the celebration continued with the grand United Nations flag-raising ceremony and the laying of the wreath.
During the ceremony, the Blue Helmets arrived in a military manner and lined up to be decorated. Watching this ceremony from a breathtaking view, we were struck upon seeing the soldiers step forward to receive their decoration, as not all Blue Helmet soldiers have the same type of march depending on their country of origin.
Next came the laying of the wreath at the foot of the memorial monument dedicated to “the memory of those who gave their lives for peace.” While all the soldiers stood around this monument, Ms. Corinne Momal-Vanian, Director of United Nations Conferences, gave us a speech honoring the Blue Helmets and peacekeeping efforts around the world. It was a great moment for the children and civilians present, as well as for these soldiers who understand more than anyone the sacrifices and dedication a Blue Helmet can show during their service.
A conference finally took place around 4:00 PM. Ambassadors from several countries were present, as well as United Nations peacekeepers and invited civilians. Ms. Corinne Momal-Vanian and Mr. Laurent Attar Bayrou led the conference, which began with a video message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres. Everyone was invited to share their testimonies or speak about the concept of peace and, for some, the experiences they wished to share.
Furthermore, a choir of young Russian girls had the pleasure of being present to accompany the ceremonies of the day with traditional songs. After listening to them during the flag-raising ceremony, they performed other songs for us, sometimes in English, and even in French, during this conference at the United Nations.
We finally went in the early evening to a cinema in the heart of Geneva to watch the film “Until Peace Prevails” by Melonie Kastman, a documentary about the peacekeeping operation that took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This documentary was very interesting and allowed viewers who were not familiar with this environment to get a glimpse of the reality of actions on the ground. For the United Nations peacekeepers, it was an intense moment as they could recall memories of their own mission. Finally, with the general in charge of the mission being present, we had the opportunity to discuss the topic with him.
In short, this day was an opportunity for everyone to come together for a cause as important as peace. The concept of peace must endure over time and through history. Seventy years have passed since the first mission of the United Nations Peacekeepers in 1948. It also represents 3,500 military personnel, police officers, and civilians who have lost their lives in the service of peace. This day is a way to continue honoring each year those soldiers who have shown dedication, courage, and sacrifice for the sake of peace.
Written by Sonia Houhou