On the 29th of  May 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of the UN International Peacekeeping Day. 

This year marked the 60th anniversary of the UN International Peacekeeping Day. Zambia joined the rest of the world to commemorate this day. There was a memorial service that was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka. The service was attended by UN Representatives lead by Mr. Brian Drayner the Chief Security Advisor of the UN in Zambia, The Deputy Minister of Defence, Honourable Elijah Muchima, M.P. and  all defence personnel from the Zambia Army, Zambia National Service, Zambia Air force, Zambia Police and various media houses to remember those who had died in various peacekeeping missions.

During the memorial service, the Zambia Army gave a citation where the names of 68 security personnel have died since Zambia joined peacekeeping missions in 1988. Zambia has actively participated in observer missions in the Iraq-Iran conflict, Liberia, Mozambique, Angola, and Haiti plus a number of other countries around the globe. A candle lighting ceremony in memory of the departed was led by Mr. Muchima, who said that the “light should be kept burning”.

Mr. Drayner who read the Secretary Generals message emphasized on the need to look after the families of those who have selflessly died for the cause of peace. The Deputy Minister paid tributes to all who have served in peacekeeping operations and that this year’s observance was a landmark occasion to remember fallen heroes. He further stated that peacekeeping was necessary to enhance economic development because disputes displaced people and damaged environments. In his closing statement he thanked the UN for its continued support in promoting peace at a global level especially in trouble lands of the world.