IRECON Military Parade: St Patrick's Day and Medal Parade

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19 Mar 2014

IRECON Military Parade: St Patrick's Day and Medal Parade

March 19, 2014 - On Monday, 17 March 2014, the Force Reserve Coy composed of 115 members of 43rd Infantry Group of the 2nd Brigade of the Irish Defence Forces stood tall and proud in a military parade in Camp Faour. The parade served two purposes; to honor St Patrick’s Day and to receive their UNDOF medals.

As it is customary to wear shamrocks on the day, all those on parade as well as their guests wore shamrocks. The largest share of shamrocks went to the Force Commander and Head of Mission, LtGen I.S. Singha. He was presented with a pot of Shamrock by the Chief Military Information Cell, LtCol John O’Neill before the parade. The event culminated with entertainment and Irish coffee at “Rustys”, the Irish Club House.

In his speech, the guest of honor, LtGen Singha mentioned that the deployment of IRECON in September 2013 was an important landmark in the recent history of UNDOF. He mentioned that the capabilities brought by the Mechanized Infantry unit had enhanced the Force’s ability to conduct its mission, improved its self defence capability and also provided an asset willing and able to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel throughout the AOR.

LtGen Singha further expressed his gratitude towards the members of IRECON first rotation for their dedication and professionalism. “Your dedication and professionalism are admirable and on behalf of all peacekeepers of UNDOF, I express my gratitude to you for your unstinted support,” he said.

Force Commander, LtGen I.S. Singha and CO IRECON, LtCol Brendan Delaney march onto the square


Invited UNDOF medal presenters, Mr james Phelan (second from left) and LtCol John O'Neill (Far right)

Force Commander, LtGen I. S. Singha inspects the parade

Force Commander presents the UNDOF medal to an LT Lisa McMahon

IRECON Officers at ease

LtCol John O'neill presents the UNDOF medal to an IRECON soldier

Mr James Phelan presents the UNDOF medal to an IRECON soldier