On July 27, Korean War Veterans Day ceremonies took place in Burnaby’s Central Park to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, in remembrance of the Canadian fallen buried in Busan, Korea to this day and in honour of the legacy of Canadian service and sacrifice during the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953) and during peace keeping duties after the ceasefire.
Local dignitaries paid tribute to the more than 26,000 Canadians who served in Korea, the more than 7,000 who served in peace-keeping duties after the signing of the Armistice, and the 514 who paid the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home. Nearly 400 Canadian fallen are buried in the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea.
Premier John Horgan also issued the following statement marking Korean War Veterans Day:
"Today is Korean War Veterans Day, a day to honour the service of more than 26,000 Canadians who answered the call on land, at sea and in the air during the Korean War.
"Canadians joined allied nations under the United Nations flag to defend the sovereignty of South Korea. They endured heavy combat and terrible conditions. Members of the Canadian armed forces showed great bravery throughout the conflict, including at Hill 355 and the Battle of Kapyong. The brutal fighting ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953.
On Korean War Veteran's Day, we remember the 26,000 Canadians who served during the Korean War and the 516 who lost their lives in defending peace and security.
— Anne Kang (@AnneKangMLA) July 28, 2021
Grateful to join the Korean War Commemorative Alliance in honouring the 68th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. pic.twitter.com/xEQTfC0Kro
"In the years following the armistice, about 7,000 Canadians served as peacekeepers on the Korean peninsula, helping to forge the strong bond that exists to this day between Canada and the Republic of Korea.
"On this solemn day, we remember the 516 Canadians who lost their lives in defending peace and security for Korean civilians. We also reflect on those who returned home with battle scars, both visible and invisible.
"Each year, the roll call of surviving veterans gets shorter. A conflict once regarded as 'the forgotten war' is an important part of Canada's military history. It is our duty to those who answered the call to remember their service and their sacrifice."
