“By their presence and selfless sacrifice, these peacekeepers have taught us that people everywhere have the right to live their lives in peace and justice, free from fear, free from threats of war, free from all forms of domination.”

Those were the words of Liberia’s Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. as he addressed the hundreds of guests gathered at UNMIL’s Pan African Plaza headquarters in Monrovia on 29 May to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

A sea of blue berets swept through the Pan African Plaza as peacekeepers joined members of the diplomatic corps, heads of UN Agencies and Funds, civil society organizations and UNMIL civilian staff in recognizing the contributions of peacekeepers in Liberia and around the world, and to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“On a solemn occasion of this importance, I have never forgotten to call on all our citizens and foreigners alike to pause, reflect, and gratefully acknowledge the peacekeepers’ crucial contribution to the maintenance of peace, security and stability that we enjoy in Liberia today,” said Boakai.

To the playing of the Liberian national anthem, UN and Liberian flags were hoisted high up on their flagpoles while down below, an impressive display of military pomp entertained guests.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of UN operations in Liberia, Karin Landgren, read aloud Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the occasion.

 “On this International Day, let us pay solemn tribute to those who have fallen, support the more than 111,000 serving soldiers and police from 116 countries, and continue adapting our operations to better help civilians who need protection and support, ” Ban’s message said.

A hush came over the crowd as a one-minute of silence was observed in honour of fallen colleagues. Wreaths were also laid in their memory, and the names read out of the 20 peacekeeping personnel who died over the past year in Liberia. Worldwide, 111 peacekeepers lost their lives last year.

The event, however, ended on a high note, with the singing of R. Kelly’s “A Soldier’s Heart” by Alan Jallah, the winner of last year’s “A Star is Born” talent competition. A photo exhibit was also organized at UNMIL Headquarters, putting on display the work of UN peacekeepers across the country.

As part of the Day’s programmes, Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Leonard M. Ngondi spoke to students and members of the national Children’s Parliament about the role of UN Peacekeepers in Liberia during an interactive forum at William V.S. Tubman High School in Monrovia.

 “The conduct of two successful national elections by Liberians in the last ten years is the result of existing peace brought by United Nations,” he said. “The repair of roads and bridges, including provision of instructional assistance to some Liberian schools by UNMIL military personnel are other means through which UNMIL continues to maintain peace in Liberia.” He challenged Liberia’s youth to safeguard their country’s hard-won peace.

This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers was celebrated with the theme: Adapting to New Challenges.