Korea Weekend on the Hill marks 65th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

In partnership with the Korean War Commemorative Committee (KWCC), Senator Yonah Martin’s Office organized a welcoming ceremony and dinner reception on Parliament Hill. The June 23 event was a way to honour Korean War Veterans for the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

The dinner was co-hosted by Sae Eden Presbyterian Church (of Yongin, Korea), the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and Canada Korea Society. Over 150 Korean War Veterans and their families attended the dinner, along with dignitaries and special guests, including Admiral (Ret’d) Jong-Dae Kim and his wife on behalf of Sae Eden Church. Admiral Kim and his wife sponsored the accommodations for out-of-town Veterans.

Bill Black, President of KVA Unit 7 presided over a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Canadian Fallen on June 24. After the wreath-laying ceremony, the annual Korea Day Ceremony commenced at the National War Memorial. Canadian Veterans and their families took part in the commemoration, alongside Minister Seamus O’Regan, Senator Yonah Martin, and with members of the diplomatic corps of the UN Allied Forces.

There were a number of commemorative ceremonies taking place on June 25 across Canada. Senator Martin attended a wreath-laying ceremony in British Columbia, followed by a lunch with Consul General of ROK in Vancouver, Gunn Kim, in honour of the Korean War Veterans and their families of British Columbia.

“During this historic year, we remember all those who fought side-by-side throughout the Korean War, on land, at sea and in the air. With the support of my dedicated staff and partners of KWCC, we vow to uphold the legacy of valour and sacrifice of our Veterans, past and present. We will remember them. Nous souviendrons d’eux,” said Senator Yonah Martin in a press release issued June 25.

The Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when the armed forces of North Korea invaded South Korea. The war continued for three years before the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, when the United States, the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea agreed to sign.

The United States sent 5.7 million soldiers to aid South Korea during the war, contributing 91 per cent of the armed forces. Canada contributed over 26,000 soldiers to the war effort. There were over 500,000 injured in the Korean War and over 5 million casualties, including 516 Canadians and 1,200 wounded.