How ironic and sad that your story in last Friday’s paper, May 29, the annual day celebrating United Nations Peacekeepers, focused instead on problems of UN human rights staffers arising from UN Peacekeeper misconduct. This would be a little like writing about the Abu Ghraib prison scandal on Veteran’s Day, without mentioning the courage and sacrifice of so many, many other US soldiers.

We all should learn more about the history and bravery of UN Peackeepers, so that we can properly commend and support the many thousands who serve and have served honorably. This year, the United Nations celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since its inception, the United Nations has established a total of 71 peacekeeping operations. More than one million military, police and civilian personnel have served as UN peacekeepers, including 125,000 in the sixteen missions in operation today. On May 29 we honor not only those who serve in some of the most dangerous and volatile environments, but we also mourn fallen peacekeepers. During the UN’s history, more than 3,300 “Blue Helmets” have died devoting their lives to peace, including 126 men and women in 2014.

I hope in the future that you will provide more balanced reporting including discussion of these kinds of important historical and contextual points.

Lucinda E. White

President, Maine Chapter of the United Nations Association

Freeport