INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS: MAY 29, 2015

 

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is a day to remember those who served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. They also honor the memory of people who died in the name of peace.

United Nations soldiers stand at the ready.
Many UN workers are remembered for their work in peacekeeping operations.
Many UN workers are remembered for their work in peacekeeping operations.
©iStockphoto.com/ Sean_Warren

What do people do?

Many activities are organized on this day. Activities include:

  • Notes in official UN documents and schedules.
  • Presentations during UN meetings and events.
  • Memorial services and wreath laying events for those who died in peace keeping missions.
  • Presentation of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal as a way to honor military, police and civilian personnel who lost their lives while working for UN peacekeeping operations.
  • Awarding peacekeeping medals to military and police officers who are peacekeepers.
  • The launch of photographic and multimedia exhibitions on the work of UN peacekeepers.

The events take place in places such as the UN headquarters in New York in the United States, as well as Vienna, Australia, and other locations worldwide.

2015 Theme:  “UN70 and UN Peacekeeping: Past, Present, and Future”

Public life

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is not a public holiday.

Background

The UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) was founded on May 29, 1948. UNTSO’s task was to assist peacekeepers to observe and maintain a cease-fire. This cease-fire marked the end of the hostilities between Israel and the Arab League forces. The hostilities started after the end of the British Mandate of Palestine on May 14, 1948. On December 11, 2002, the UN General assembly designated May 29 as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The day was first observed on May 29, 2003.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is a tribute to people who serve or have served in UN peacekeeping operations. The peacekeepers are honored for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage. People who died for peace are also remembered.

Symbols

UN Peacekeepers are usually clearly recognizable. They often display the UN flag and the letters “UN” on their clothing, equipment and vehicles. They also wear hats, helmets or other clothing with UN colors.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Observances

 

Weekday Date Year Name Holiday type Where it is observed
Thu May 29 2003 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Sat May 29 2004 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Sun May 29 2005 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Mon May 29 2006 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Tue May 29 2007 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Thu May 29 2008 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Fri May 29 2009 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Sat May 29 2010 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Sun May 29 2011 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Tue May 29 2012 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Wed May 29 2013 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Thu May 29 2014 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Fri May 29 2015 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Sun May 29 2016 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Mon May 29 2017 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Tue May 29 2018 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Wed May 29 2019 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance
Fri May 29 2020 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations observance

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