A Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving for UN Peacekeepers was held at St Luke’s Anglican, Junee on Sunday 24 May 2026. This was the fourth such Service conducted by Rev David Hilliard, Military Chaplain (Retd.).
82 folk observed a very meaningful Service under the Theme of “Invest in Peace”, and paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of military, police and civilian peacekeepers made over nearly eight decades.
Recognition was given to the 68,000 civilians, military and police personnel currently serving in 11 UN peacekeeping missions, confronting increasingly complex and interconnected challenges shaped by a shifting geopolitical landscape. Solemn honour was paid, to the 4,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace, including 59 in 2025 alone.
The Australian flag and United Nations flag were presented. Wreaths were laid by WOFF Ken Robertson (Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Force) on behalf of the ADF and Chief Petty Officer Luke Corcoran from the Junee RSL Sub-Branch. The Blue Beret and a lit Blue Candle held prominence on the Communion Table.
WOFF Ken Robertson presented a moving Reflection, concluding his talk referring to Love in Action as read from 1 John 3 and to the read Beatitudes verse 9, Blessed are the Peacemakers. Rev David Hilliard complemented WOFF Robertson’s Reflection in the words of his Homily.
Tables in the Hall beautifully set with white cloths and sprigs of the olive tree and rosemary welcomed folk to a delicious Morning Tea. A highlight was the cutting of a special Blue Cake, the top of which depicted a Peacekeeper in Action with the words THANK YOU UN PEACEKEEPERS!
Heather Jauncey
Junee Parish Council Secretary
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