Member of Parliament Tilly O'Neill Gordon Joins Republic of Korea Ambassador Cho Hee-yong in Honouring Canadian Veterans of the Korean War

MONCTON, NB, Sept. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Tilly O'Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, was joined today by His Excellency Cho Hee-yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, at a ceremony organized by Branch 6 of the Royal Canadian Legion and the local chapter of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. During the ceremony, Ambassador Cho presented Veterans with the Ambassador for Peace Medal in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices in restoring democracy to South Korea.

"All of Canada is proud of what these remarkable Canadians accomplished during the Korean War," said MP O'Neill Gordon. "The Ambassador for Peace Medal awarded by the Republic of Korea is a lasting reminder of the important contributions Canadian Korean War Veterans made to preserve the peace and security we value so much. I encourage everyone to take a moment to remember and say thank you as we mark the Year of the Korean War Veteran this year."

"Today, we honour Canadian Korean War Veterans," said Ambassador Cho. "The Republic of Korea will forever remember each of these men and women—those who came home and those who did not—and will ensure their legacy is honoured. Sixty years later, the gratitude for what they gave us still burns brightly in our hearts."

The Republic of Korea's Ambassador for Peace Medal is awarded to Korean War Veterans as part of the Korea Revisit Program. In 2013, the Government of Korea is honouring Veterans who are unable to participate or return to Korea at ceremonies held across Canada.

Veterans attending today's ceremony can also receive a Government of Canada Certificate of Recognition as a lasting reminder of the important contributions they made to the peace and security we enjoy today. All Canadian Korean War Veterans can request a Certificate of Recognition by calling 1-866-522-2122 or visiting veterans.gc.ca.

From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea—working to restore peace and stability to the area. Ceasefire negotiations began in 1951, however fighting continued for another two years before the Armistice was signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. Some 7,000 Canadians continued to serve between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. In total, 516 brave young Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media inquiries:
Simon Forsyth
Media Relations Officer
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649