Minister Steven Blaney Speaks at Governor General’s Reception to Honour Korean War Veterans

Ottawa – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, joined Senator Yonah Martin and Korean War Veterans this evening at a reception held in their honour. The private reception was hosted by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston at Rideau Hall.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to honour Korean War Veterans at this fitting tribute to them. Canadians are proud of their Veterans and recognize the contributions of those who served during the Korean War,” said Minister Blaney. “Their efforts have helped safeguard the growth of the Republic of Korea into an independent and prosperous country with whom we have had a wonderful diplomatic relationship for the past 50 years.”

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. This marked the beginning of hostilities that lasted more than three years. Ceasefire negotiations began in 1951, two years before the fighting finally ended with the signing of the Armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. By this time, more than 26,000 Canadians had served in the Korean War. Approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve in Korea between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. Of those Canadians who served during the war, 516 lost their lives; their names are inscribed in the Korean War Book of Remembrance.

“Canadians played a vital role in helping to reinstate a sense of stability and peace in the Republic of Korea,” said Senator Martin. “As a proud Canadian of Korean descent, I can speak to the deep enduring gratitude that Korea as a nation and all people of Korean descent feel toward our Veterans. Their legacy lives on in us.”

Korean War Veterans from across Canada have gathered in Ottawa this weekend to participate in a series of activities to celebrate this special year and commemorate the war. A gala was held in their honour on Friday evening at the Canadian War Museum. Today, Veterans participated in various activities at the museum, which included a viewing of the Korean War Book of Remembrance and a guided tour of the Canadian War Museum. The weekend will be brought to a close with a commemorative ceremony in honour of Korean War Veterans at the National War Memorial at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

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.

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