July 27, 2013
Mississauga, ON — On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and Korean War Veterans Day.
“Today, we recognize the important achievements Canadian Korean War Veterans made more than 60 years ago when the active fighting in the Korean War ended with the signing of the Korean War Armistice,” said Minister Fantino. “Their sacrifice was profound and this national day of recognition honours Canadian men and women in uniform who came to the aid of South Koreans during the Korean War.”
“Our Government is proud to have established a national day of recognition to honour the more than 26,000 Canadians who served during the Korean War and the uneasy truce that followed,” said Parliamentary Secretary Adams. “With the passage of Bill S-213 last month, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be marking the first ever Korean War Veterans Day today and every July 27th. This is another way our Government is honouring Canada’s Veterans of the Korean War and the 516 brave Canadians who gave their lives for a safer world and a free and democratic South Korea.”
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea, beginning hostilities that lasted more than three years. Canada joined 15 other United Nations countries in sending combat forces to restore peace. The active fighting finally ended with the signing of the Armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. Following the Armistice, approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve in Korea until the end of 1955, with some troops remaining until 1957.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-996-4649
All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca
