Canada's Veterans Affairs Minister marks 61st Anniversary of Korean War Armistice with Korean counterpart

OTTAWA, June 29, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino today welcomed the Honourable Park Sung Choon, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea, at a ceremony in Ottawa to commemorate the 61^st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. The ministers were joined at the Monument to Canadian Fallen by His Excellency Cho Hee-yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada, Senator Yonah Martin, and members of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

This year marks the 61^st anniversary of the Armistice that ended the active fighting in the Korean War, and the 51^st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea.

Quick Facts

• The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea, and Canada joined 15 other United Nations countries in sending combat forces to help restore peace.
• Between 1950 and 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean theatre of operations, working to restore peace and stability to the area.
• On July 27, 1953, the Korea Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending more than three years of fighting.
• Approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve there between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some troops remaining until 1957.
• In total, 516 brave young Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.

Quotes

"It's an honour to have Minister Park with us today, as we remember the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians who have so courageously defended our values of freedom and democracy. The Korean War was one of Canada's most significant military engagements of the 20^th century. We must never forget those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"As a Canadian of Korean decent, as a daughter of survivors of the Korean War, I express my deepest gratitude to all Canadians who served and sacrificed in the Korean War. It is an honour for me to demonstrate my respect and gratitude by participating in today's commemoration with Minister Fantino and Minister Park."
The Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator

Image with caption: "The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Park Sung Choon, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for the Republic of Korea, lay wreaths during a ceremony for the 61st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140629_C3055_PHOTO_EN_4036.jpg

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468