Birthday plea for Military Medal of Gallantry to be bestowed on Mayo's heroic Billy Kedian
The ultimate sacrifice paid by Mayo soldier Billy Kedian in the pursuit of achieving peace will never be forgotten.
Those were the words of Minister of State for UN Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill when she spoke at a ceremony in Moneymore, Ballyhaunis today.
The well-attended event was to celebrate the bravery of a 21-year-old man who died while saving the lives of 14 of his colleagues while under armed attack from Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon during a tour of duty on May 31, 1999.
Billy would have been 47 today if he had survived the attack, a poignant reminder on his birthday of the sacrifice he paid due to an unyielding commitment and dedication to his peacekeeping role on foreign soil.
A plaque was unveiled on a site near where he grew up, a fitting and lasting tribute to his remarkable patriotism.
In her address, Minister Carroll MacNeill said she was proud to be returning to the county of her grandparents to recognise the life of Billy Kedian.
She praised the community and everybody involved in putting the memorial in place with the support of Mayo County Council and the Defence Forces.
She stated: "Billy made the ultimate sacrifice for his patriotism and it will never be forgotten.
"His memory will be recalled whenever Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping duties in the world is spoken or written about.
"Ireland is proud of its work with UNIFIL since 1978 and it has left an indelible mark on our Defence Forces.
"No mission, of course, is without danger and that's why it's so important to remember those who lost their lives as well as supporting all the veterans who served there."
The minister also paid tribute to the Kedian family, neighbours and friends for the role they played in ensuring the erection of the memorial in honour of Billy.
Councillor John O'Hara, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, said Billy Kedian may have lived a short life - but the memory of what he achieved will live forever.
"The fact that, at 21 years of age, he gave his life to the protection of others was a remarkable testament to his bravery and courage.
"He grew up with this sense of bravery and courage and it was allowed to flourish with the support of his parents Bill and Doris and sisters Ann and Mary.
"His bravery spoke volumes about his character and the the pride instilled within himself.
"He placed the safety and welfare of others above that of his own because of his values of always finding the best in himself."
Newly-elected Councillor Alma Gallagher was a classmate of Billy throughout their school years, culminating in them being part of the Leaving Cert. 'Class of 1995' at Ballyhaunis Community School.
She stated: "He was always a gentleman with a razor-sharp sense of humour - but he was always drawn to the life of the peacekeeper.
"He was born to be a peacekeeper, he lived as a peacekeeper and died a peacekeeper.
"While I am delighted to see his memory being commemorated in his native place, I am calling on Minister Carroll O'Neill to ensure that the Military Medal of Gallantry is bestowed on him.
"The existing 'time-bound' policy which prohibits the awarding of the medal after a certain time has elapsed after a soldier's death needs to be changed, not only in respect of Billy's family but for many others who have suffered great and generational loss."
She said other countries celebrated the achievement of the members of their Defence Forces in ways from which Ireland could learn greatly.
Other speakers at the event included Army Sergeant Larry Carty, who served with Billy in Lebanon when his tragic death occurred, Gerry O'Boyle, a friend of Billy who spearheaded the memorial committee, and Seamus Gannon, a former army colleague.
The attendance included Minister of State Dara Calleary, Minister of State Alan Dillon, Senator Ger Craughwell and former Ballyhaunis councillor John Cribbin as well as the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Lieutenant General Séan Clancy.