Today, we gather at this memorial site to lay a wreath to honour the brave men and women who died while serving under the United Nations Flag.
Last year, 129 peacekeepers from 50 countries lost their lives due to malicious acts, accidents and disease. It was the 12th time in the last 13 years that more than 100 Blue Helmets fell in one year. The tragic total since 1948 is nearly 3,500.
Please join me in a moment of silence in tribute to their bravery.
Thank you.