The 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the United Nations will be marked today.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt General Jim Sreenan will attend a commemoration ceremony at Dublin's McKee Barracks.
The then taoiseach John A Costello took Ireland into the UN in 1955 and the UN Charter has since remained a cornerstone of foreign policy.
More than 50,000 Irish soldiers have served abroad on peacekeeping missions, and troops are currently serving in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Earlier this year, An Post issued four commemorative stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership. One featured Frederick H Boland, Ireland's first Permanent Representative to the UN.
PA
