Stamp set honours proud and selfless service
11 September 2013
The 60c set, designed by Zinc Design Consultants, depicts the four branches of the force, Army, Navy, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Force. The stamps, a First Day Cover and a Prestige Booklet containing additional background information and extra stamps are available at the GPO, main post offices, and online at irishstamps.ie.
Speaking on the launch of the Stamps, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Conor O’Boyle said:
“I am very appreciative to An Post for their work in issuing this special commemorative set of stamps as a salute to the modern Irish Defence Forces. The stamps symbolise the ethos of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Defending, Protecting and Supporting, at home and overseas”
An Post Chief Executive, Donal Connell said that the stamps designs capture the breadth of the important work undertaken by the Defence Forces.
“There will be keen national and international interest for these stamps from both philatelists as well those with an interest in military history and peace-keeping activities throughout the world.
The Defence Forces cover a wide-ranging remit including defending the State; assisting An Garda Síochána in matters of law and order and State security; supporting the international efforts of the United Nations in terms of peacekeeping, crisis management and humanitarian relief; and providing a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union.
Since 1958, when a group of fifty officers was assigned to peacekeeping duties in the Lebanon, the Irish Defence Forces have served with great distinction overseas. During the UN mission to the Congo (1960–1964), almost 6,000 Irish soldiers were involved. Subsequent UN missions involving the Defence Forces include Cyprus, the Sinai, South Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina and now Syria.
