Premier John Horgan has 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.

“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.”

For a French and Korean translations: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24975#translations