Flowers and stones for fallen peacekeepers at lesser-known commemoration

LOCALS who feel affected by global unrest will be invited to place a flower or pebble within a mandala in remembrance of those who have suffered or lost their lives in conflict when International UN Peacekeepers Day is commemorated in Mullumbimby later this month.

Retired Byron Bay veteran Major John ‘Jack’ Thurgar, who was awarded the Star of Courage for saving the life of a farmer from an unmarked mixed barrier minefield in Cyprus, said the day honours the service and sacrifice of more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have died since 1948.

It also highlights their role in protecting civilians, maintaining security and promoting peace.

“Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are national Days of remembrance and they reflect primarily on Australian military casualties of war, whereas International UN Peacekeepers’ Day focuses on the ongoing international pursuit of global stability and the unique challenges faced by peacekeepers, whether they be police, military or civilian personnel,” he said.

“As of early 2026, the United Nations has deployed 72 authorized peacekeeping operations since the first mission in 1948 in the Arab-Israeli war. Over two million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in these missions to maintain international peace and security, with 11 operations remaining active.

“For the UN personnel on the ground, often in complex and dangerous circumstances, it gives us the chance to share and express our grief and compassion with those people directly impacted by the circumstances in which we found ourselves at that point in time.

“To former peacekeepers and their families this day honours the service and sacrifice of UN peacekeepers and all those civilians who have served, suffered or died since 1948. For surviving peacekeepers, the day carries with it deeply etched memories of the victims of war. More than 65,000 Australians have served overseas in some 45 UN Missions, 17 uniformed Australian Peacekeepers lost their lives and an untold number of non-uniform UN associated volunteers. Sadly, the number of Australian Peacekeepers who have suicided as a result of their service is high, but remains uncounted.”

Thurgar said the 2026 theme is ‘Invest in Peace’, emphasising the need for future-focused peacekeeping operations capable of adapting to modern, complex threats.

“But for we, the ordinary people it gives us the chance to express our shared compassion with those affected and directly impacted by world unrest,” Thurgar said.

“The day gives all people the chance to acknowledge, grieve and reflect upon the loss of all innocents impacted by civil war, genocide, sectarian violence, apartheid and illegal occupation throughout the world.”

The event is being organised by the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association and the Australian Bravery Association in conjunction with the Mullumbimby RSL Sub-Branch.

International UN Peacekeeper Day will be commemorated at Mullumbimby Cenotaph at 3.30pm on Friday 29 May.