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.
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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