Martin McKeown gave distinguished service as a United Nations peacekeeper and bequeathed his collection of medals, berets and insignia to the museum.
Freddie Tandy, chair of Littlehampton Town Council’s community resources committee, said: "These medals were presented to the town at Armed Forces Day in June this year. We are delighted that they are now on display in the museum, where residents and visitors alike can view them and reflect on Martin’s extraordinary service.”
Martin joined the Irish Defence Forces in 1982, following two years' service with the Irish Army Reserve. He was part of the Army Medical Corps' No.2 Field Hospital Company.
He volunteered for overseas service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and served with the 57th Irish Battalion as a medic, providing vital care to fellow peacekeepers and civilians affected by the conflict.
Among the items on display is the United Nations Peacekeepers Medal, awarded to Martin during his service in Lebanon. This medal reflects the Nobel Peace Prize presented to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in 1988 in recognition of their vital contribution to maintaining peace in the region.
His commitment to humanitarian service continued long after his deployment. He made Susssex his home in the 1990s and dedicated his career to supporting young people at a children's home in Rustington.
A lifelong volunteer, he also served with the Red Cross and became an active member of the Littlehampton branch of St John Ambulance, a dedicated ukulele teacher and a valued member of Littlehampton Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club, as well as selling poppies for Remembrance Day each year.
An accomplished Irish singer and musician, Martin played guitar, banjo and mandolin, as well as the ukulele. He founded Rustington Ukulele Group, where he shared his passion for music through teaching and performance.
Martin passed peacefully at St Barnabas House hospice, Worthing, on October 11, 2024, aged 62.
5. Martin McKeown
The United Nations Medal, UN Peacekeepers Medal, 1916 Easter Rising commemorative medal and ONE Service Medal Photo: Littlehampton Museum