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Canada remembered the 65th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice in 2018

Photos and report by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President

Canadians joined with veterans of the Korean War at ceremonies across the country this year to mark the 65th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended the bitter conflict in 1953. One of the largest events took place on July 27 at the Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, Ontario.

The polished granite memorial features 516 bronze plaques inscribed with the names of the Canadians who lost their lives in a rugged environment far from home. It also has a plaque that honours Canadian Forces Participation in United Nations Operations in Korea during the fighting from 1950 to 1953 and those who served in a peacekeeping mission until 1956. In addition to listing the various Canadian Army units and eight Royal Canadian Navy ships that served, the plaque recognizes the service of the RCAF 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron and 22 RCAF pilots who flew with the U.S. Fifth Air Force.

The Meadowvale ceremony, hosted by the Korea Veterans Association, Ontario Region, is an annual event that was especially significant with the anniversary this year. At one of the most poignant moments during the service, the remaining veterans in attendance placed a poppy on each of the bronze plaques. They were joined by the large gathering of attendees, including numerous government representatives.

The dignitaries included Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the keynote speaker; Senator Yonah Martin, who is the first Canadian of Korean descent to serve in the Senate and the first Korean-Canadian parliamentarian in Canadian history; and senior officials from the KVA and the South Korean Embassy in Ottawa.

Sunny skies prevailed for the occasion, with excellent music played by army, sea and air cadets from the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre Band at CFB Borden. More than 100 cadets participated with precision marching. An impressive and moving occasion, the ceremony at Meadowvale and others across Canada will undoubtedly help to erase the unfortunate perception of the Korean conflict as Canada’s “forgotten war.”

The various speakers noted the survivors who returned retain deeply etched memories of the horrors and tragedies of war. But they also take comfort in knowing they played their part in defending the freedom of the South Korean people and helping build the foundations of the strong and prosperous nation that South Korea is today.

A most enjoyable reception took place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 609, where it was a pleasure to meet Col. Chang Bae Yoon, South Korea’s military attache in Ottawa, and his wife Soyoung Lee. It was the first time that I’ve seen the Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance. I would like to thank HooJung Jones Kennedy, a tireless advocate for Korean veterans and a member of 447 Wing (City of Hamilton) RCAFA for her efforts and those of all of the veterans who made the day so successful.

Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell spoke at the Memorial Service to remember the 65th Anniversary of the Cessation of Hostilities of the Korean War.

Chung Tae-In, Consul General of Korea, spoke during the July 27 Memorial Service in remembrance of the end of the Korean War.

Senator Yonah Martin presents a wreath on behalf of Canada during the memorial service at Meadowvale Cemetery on July 27.

Sunny skies prevailed as Korean War veterans proudly gathered for the Memorial Service at Meadowvale Cemetery, July 27, 2018.

Inscription at the Wall of Remembrance honours Canadian Forces Participation in UN operations, Korea, 1950-53-56.

Air cadets from the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre Band marched with precision at Meadowvale Cemetery on July 27.

HooJung Jones Kennedy, Korean War veterans advocate, and husband Don Kennedy present a wreath during the ceremony.

The Korea Veterans Colour Party at the Memorial Service at Meadowvale Cemetery, July 27, 2018.

A diversified group of cadets from the Blackdown Training Centre, CFB Borden, joined Korean War veterans at the Meadowvale Cemetery Memorial Service.

Gord; Soyoung Lee; Col. Chang Bae Yoon, military attache of South Korea; a Korea Veterans Association rep.

Enjoying reception, from left, Soyoung Lee; HooJung; Col. Chang Bae Yoon; Angie McNulty; Don Kennedy.

MiG Alley Air Shows Canadair Sabre 6 in USAF Korean War colours at London air show, Sept. 7, 2018.