As part of the events marking United Nations day on October 24, Adventists participated in a memorial ceremony at UN headquarters in New York that honoured fallen UN staff.

The newly-constructed memorial was unveiled by Patel Noble, the only Seventh-day Adventist serving on the UN Security Staff. "Remember here those who gave their lives for peace," are the words inscribed in six languages on a wall of crystal glass that is the centrepiece of the memorial that also includes 191 stepping stones, one for every member state.

"It is an ideal space for contemplation and for paying tribute to our fallen colleagues," said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan during the ceremony. "After more than half a century of UN field operations, we finally have a site fit to honour our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. In the increasingly high-risk environment in which we operate, there is no more serious or solemn duty than our responsibility to protect UN staff in the field."

Echoing the same theme, Mrs. Nane Annan commented that "it is our responsibility as colleagues and friends to salute the memory of the fallen; to carry forward their legacy, to continue their work, and to be inspired by their example."

"Adventists applaud the contributions of those who work for the betterment of humanity," comments Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, UN liaison director for the Adventist church. "We share in the tragedy of loss as those who are committed to helping their fellow human beings lose their lives in service, and continue to pray for their families and colleagues."

Kelly Razzouk, Adventist church liaison officer based in New York and the only non-UN staff participant, commented that, "As I stood there, I thought of the three ADRA workers who were killed in Liberia this year. To my mind, this memorial is for them too."

Earlier this year, Annan condemned the killing of three ADRA workers, Emmanuel Sharpulo, Kaare Lund and Musa Kita, who died while attending to humanitarian needs in Liberia.

Celebrated every year on October 24, UN day marks the birth of the organization in 1945. The ceremony was attended by UN security personnel and distinguished diplomats from around the world. [Editor:Viola Hughes for ANR/APD]