OTTAWA, April 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, along with the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, paid tribute to an extraordinary group of individuals this morning on Parliament Hill. Ten Veterans of the Korean War were presented with special certificates of recognition.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea. In January, Minister Blaney declared 2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran. Various events and activities are planned throughout the year.
"Our response to the Korean War far exceeded what the world could have expected from us. The number of Canadians who served, in proportion to our population, was greater than that of almost every other country in the United Nations force," said Minister Blaney. "These exceptional Canadians should be revered for their bravery, their valour and their belief that all citizens deserve to live in a free and democratic society. That's why I will make every effort to ensure each and every Veteran who served during the Korean War—or in Korea in the years afterwards to keep the peace—is awarded this special certificate."
Approximately 10,000 Canadian Veterans are eligible for the certificate.
"Today we recognize the extraordinary achievements of the more than 26,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces who were at the forefront of the international effort to bring peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula," said Minister MacKay. "It is our duty not to forget the incredible service of those who gave their lives or were wounded during this war."
Minister Blaney will accompany 36 Canadian Veterans of the Korean War next week as they travel to the Republic of Korea. Through a partnership between the Republic of Korea and Veterans Affairs Canada, the trip recognizes the contributions of all Veterans who came to the aid of the people of South Korea more than 60 years ago.
While in the Republic of Korea, from April 22 to April 27, the delegation will participate in ceremonies of remembrance at the Republic of Korea National Cemetery in Seoul, the Korean War Memorial to the Armed Forces of the British Commonwealth in Gapyeong, the Canadian Korean War Memorial Garden in Naechon and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery of Korea in Busan.
"In this, the year of the 60th anniversary of the Armistice, the Korea Veterans Association commends Minister Blaney and the Harper Government for their extensive work in recognizing Korean Veterans. We are very grateful for their efforts," said John Bishop, National President of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.
More than 26,000 Canadian men and women served in the Korean War, with 516 of them making the ultimate sacrifice. They joined 15 other United Nations countries that also sent combat forces there to restore peace. The active fighting ended with the signing of the Armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. Following the Armistice, approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve in Korea
until the end of 1955, with some troops remaining until 1957.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca, visit our Facebook "Canada Remembers" page to leave a message of remembrance or follow us on Twitter @VeteransENG_CA.
Image with caption: "In honour of the Year of the Korean War Veteran, Minister Steven Blaney (back left) and Minister Peter MacKay (back right), accompanied by Senator Yonah Martin (centre), presented ten Korean War Veterans with certificates of recognition in the foyer of the House of Commons. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130416_C5617_PHOTO_EN_25573.jpg
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
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