Irish United Nations Veterans Association
IUNVA | Honouring | Caring | Remembering
The Day the World Changed – 6 Aug 1945
From PRO IUNVA
Eighty years ago, on 6 Aug 1945, a US Air Force B-29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb ever to target a populated area over Hiroshima, Japan at 0815. Upon detonation, it produced a fireball that raised temperatures to 7,000 degrees Celsius. The blast also generated shockwaves exceeding the speed of sound. After the explosion, a heavy downpour of black rain, carrying radioactive fallout, caused widespread contamination. Those who approached the blast’s epicentre in search of the missing were exposed to this radiation. The shockwaves and the radiation released, killed thousands, and turned the city with its wooden and paper buildings, into a fierce inferno.
Three days later, in the early hours of 9 Aug 1945 a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki by another B-29 named Bock’s Car. This was a more advanced plutonium-based bomb that had undergone trials during the ‘Trinity test’. This bomb was originally intended for the city of Kokura as its target, but because of dense clouds the aircrew diverted and bombed Nagasaki.
The bombs killed approximately 120,000 people. A similar number died later of burn and radiation injuries. It is estimated that 650,000 people survived the attack. On 10 Aug, Japan offered to surrender to the Allies, the only condition being that the emperor be allowed to remain the nominal head of state.
On 12 Aug, the United States announced that it would accept the Japanese surrender, World War II officially ended on 2 Sep1945, with the formal surrender of Japan.
The photographs show the results of the bombs, all photographs are credit of UN Multimedia.
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Honouring
We honour our fallen comrades by holding Annual Wreath Laying Ceremonies at our Irish United Nations Veterans Association Memorials and gravesides.
Events are held annually throughout the country by our Posts.
We have a number of burial plots countrywide for members who fall on hard times. Details and requests can be made to National Welfare Officer of any Post Welfare Officer.
Caring
To advise and assist our veterans, who have been adversely affected physically or mentally as a result of their UN Service. Welfare Officers are available countrywide to provide assistance for those who may have difficulties in coping with burials, domestic issues and accomm-odation needs. We have a number of Drop-in Centres, some with accommodation countrywide where members and non-members are welcome to visit for advice, tea, coffee, comradeship and a friendly chat.
Remembering
To ensure the memory of those who gave their lives, service and sacrifice in the cause of peace on United Nations Service is not forgotten. To remember deceased ex-members of the Defence Forces who served at home and overseas and members of an Gardai.
We continue to erect IUNVA Memorials and secure graves countrywide.
MiSsion Statement
The main objects or charitable purposes for which the Association is established are:
The prevention or relief of poverty and economic hardship and the provision of financial relief in cases of necessity or distress to members of IUNVA and their dependants within capabilities.
To provide financial and other supports to veterans whose lives have been adversely affected as a result of service with the United Nations.
Integration of disadvantaged veterans and promotion of their full participation in society.
- To promote, for the public benefit, the commemoration of Irish citizens who have died in the cause of world peace while on service with the United Nations or on United Nations mandated missions or operations.
Subsidiary Objects
As objects incidental and ancillary to the attainment of its Main Objects, the Association shall have the following subsidiary objects:
- To promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the history of Irish participation in United Nations peace support missions and operations.
- To support, where requested, training, education and awareness within the Defence Forces and other organisations regarding overseas service and the history of Irish participation – particularly where lessons were identified or major challenges overcome – and to promote the remembrance of lost comrades through membership of the Association.
- To support commemorative and ceremonial events organised by the State, Óglaigh na hÉireann (The Defence Forces), An Garda Síochána, local authorities, local communities and other national veterans’ associations.
- To assist with academic research into Irish involvement in United Nations and United Nations mandated peace support operations and missions, and the collection and collation of archival material in this regard.
- To provide and coordinate health education courses, advice and counselling for members.
- To provide a network of support and social interaction through the organisation of social, recreational, cultural and sporting activities for members and their dependants.
- To establish, maintain and encourage contact with likeminded kindred associations and agencies in Ireland and in other countries.
- To engage and advocate with central government, local government, state and voluntary agencies in advancing the interests of the Association, its members and families of members.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the Irish United Nations Veterans Association
Through these pages we hope you will gain an insight about IUNVA and learn what the association stands for and what we are about.
There are some interesting articles in the Blog section to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about who we are! what we do? we’re here to answer any questions.
Contact Information for IUNVA Museum
