Remembrance Day at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea

November 28, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

By: Lt(N) Ariel Rouhi, Public Affairs Officer – His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays

Busan, Korea

This past Remembrance Day, members of HMCS Max Bernays had the honour to take part in two ceremonies at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK). The first was a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Canadian Monument and the second was the Turn to Busan Ceremony to honour the sacrifices of UN soldiers who served during the Korean War.

At the Remembrance Day ceremony, we paused to honour those Canadians who served and fell during the Korean War, as well as all wars before and after, that our nation has participated in. This was a clear reminder of Canada’s enduring commitment to peace, stability, and partnership in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe. The ceremony was made even more special as we marked the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Monument at UNMCK, designed by Korean War veteran Vincent Courtenay and created by Korean artist Yoo Young Mun.

The Turn to Busan Ceremony, held annually on Remembrance Day, brings together representatives from the 19 nations that contributed forces under the UN Command. For Canada, it is a moment to reaffirm a legacy of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

First commemorated in 2007, Turn to Busan grew from the vision of Vincent Courtenay, designer of the Canadian Monument, who wanted to create a way for people around the world to symbolically “turn toward Busan” at the 11th hour on November 11th. Each year, this moment of reflection honours the 2,300 UN soldiers, among them 378 Canadians, laid to rest at the UNMCK. A total of 516 Canadian soldiers died during the Korean War.

During the ceremony, members of HMCS Max Bernays joined officials, veterans, and dignitaries from Canada, Korea, and other UN Nations in a moment of silence. United in remembrance and gratitude, the crew and all those gathered witnessed the symbolic laying of white chrysanthemums by dignitaries.

It was especially fitting that the ship’s company was in Busan, Korea, commemorating Remembrance Day and honouring our fallen in the Korean War. A war that Max Bernays, our ship’s namesake, proudly served in, more than 70 years ago.

The participation of HMCS Max Bernays in the two ceremonies will remain a special moment for the crew as we continue our mission on Operation HORIZON, the CAF’s ongoing Indo-Pacific deployment aimed at strengthening partnerships, advancing regional stability, and reaffirming Canada’s enduring presence in the region.

Lest we forget.