Origins and activities of The UN Peacekeeping Missions Veterans Association

Abstract

Poland is a country that especially values freedom and peace. The history of the world is rich in achievements of our citizens, helping countries and nations who needed it. The value that immersed in the peacekeeping landscape is the service of Poles under the Flag of the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO. In many regions of the world, the Polish uniform is associated with determination, courage and respect for other cultures and religions. Polish soldiers serve on different continents, often in extremely difficult political, military and climatic conditions. They have repeatedly confirmed their top-notch soldierly professionalism, perfectly passing the exam of military craftsmanship, courage, creative thinking and quick adaptation to specific conditions. Veterans, former peacekeepers, may a lot of differences: age, time and place of service, but they have one thing in common – the awareness that their efforts have contributed to building a better and safer world. Since 1999, all peacekeepers, have also been trying to integrate the UN Peacekeeping Missions Veterans Association, which daily activities include, apart from helping the injured veterans and families of those who gave their lives on missions, popularizing the goals and tasks of peacekeeping operations in the society and the patriotic education, especially among young people. Their aim is to disseminate knowledge about the role of the United Nations in ensuring global security and peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in particular about the involvement of the Polish Army in peacekeeping operations. Members of the Association take part in conferences, scientific symposia and lectures. The Association inspires publishing activities, supports university students in writing bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as doctoral dissertations on the subject of peacekeeping missions.