In a special medal parade, twenty-five Officers and four Warrant officers from various troop contributing members States of the United Nations were awarded the UN Medal in Goma today, 9 September 2015, for participating in joint international military and police operations such peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.

The ceremony taking place at Headquarters 3 of the MONUSCO Force was presided over by the Force Commander Lt General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz. United Nations peacekeepers represent various countries, and that is the reason why they should work with dedication to serve the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said.

The Force Commander then called on the medal recipients to “remain dedicated to these people who are suffering from all forms of violence in the country so that once in our life time we should suffer with these people we are called to serve who need our help.”

Lt General dos Santos Cruz congratulated the recipients for their immense sacrifice, for a job well done and for their contribution to the quest for peace in DRC. “Upon receipt of this medal, wear it with honor and pride for your distinguished services and achievements in MONUSCO,” he said.

This was followed by the presentation of the decoration to its recipients by the Force Commander and the Deputy Force Commander Major General Jean Baillaud.

It should be noted that this UN Medal was established in Congo on 2 May 2000. It has tree colors: UN blue on the outer band, yellow on the inner bands and dark blue in the middle. The UN blue represents the UN presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, yellow represents the dawn of peace and prosperity, and the dark blue represents the Congo River.

While the first UN Medal was awarded during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, since 1955 many additional Medals have been created and awarded for participation in various United Nations missions and actions around the world.

The ceremony ended with the taking of group photographs.

Martha Biongo PIO/GOMA