News
Presentation of the Finnish Commemorative Cross - 14 September 2008
A ceremony was held at the Finnish Embassy, Canberra , to pay pay tribute to a member of the Australian Army who was killed while on operations over 10 years ago. Captain Peter McCarthy, of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, was posted to Lebanon as member of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation.
On the 12th of January 1988, Captain McCarthy, along with Canadian Major Gilbert Cote, were travelling in their four-wheel drive vehicle when it ran over an anti-tank mine. Major Cote was seriously injured but unfortunately, Captain McCarthy was killed.
The ceremony was attended by Peter's widow, Mrs Sue McCarthy, daughter Sarah McCarthy, Peter's sister Dr Margo McCarthy, the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, a Representative of the Minister for Veteran Affairs, the President of the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans' Association, the Head of Royal Australian Transport Corps, the Finnish Deputy Head of Mission, and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project.
Mrs McCarthy, on behalf of her late husband, was presented the Finnish Commemorative Cross by the Ambassador, Glen Lindholm . The Finnish Commemorative Cross which honours Peacekeepers, is normally only presented to citizens of Finland. Captain McCarthy and Major Cote are the only two non-Finns to have been awarded the Cross.
Mrs Sue McCarthy being presented with the Finnish Commemorative Cross by Ambassador Lindholm.
To the right is Sarah McCarthy, daughter of the late Captain Peter McCarthy.
Following the presentation, Ambassador Lindholm said, "Peacekeepers from all around the world became mates when on assignment together, and the bonds formed survived long after missions had ended."
Matt Burke adds, "all Australian Peacekeepers greatly appreciate this wonderful gesture of respect between our Peacekeepers."
Attendees at the Presentation Ceremony, from Left to Right;
James Rogers, representing DVA; Ross Baker, husband of Margot McCarthy; Dr Margot McCarthy, sister of Peter McCarthy; Paul Copeland, President of the APPVA; Tim Ford, Chaiman of the APMP Committee, Sarah McCarty, daughter of Sue + Peter McCarthy; Sue McCarthy, widow of Peter McCarthy; Angus Houston, Chief of the ADF; Liz Houston, wife of Angus Houston; Andy Adams, member of the APMP Committee, and Matt Burke, Vice-Chairman of the APMP Committee.