27 July 2013
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the 60thanniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the first annual Korean War Veterans Day:
“Today, we honour Canada’s Korean War Veterans and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law during one of the most significant armed conflicts of the 20th century.
“The Korean War was one of the most challenging chapters in our nation’s proud military history. From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea. After active fighting ended with the signing of the Korea Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve until the end of 1955 in order to deter further aggression, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. In proportion to its population, Canada’s contribution of troops was one of the largest of the international force. In total, 516 Canadians gave their lives during the Korean War.
“In honour of the 60th anniversary of the Armistice, the Government of Canada is proud to have designated 2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran in recognition of the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of those brave Canadians who fought on the Korean peninsula. We are also proud to have designated July 27 a new national day of honour, and to have unveiled a new monument in Korea to recognize the service and sacrifices of Canada’s Korean War Veterans.
“Let us never forget those who served Canada with pride, nor the men and women who continue to serve our country today."
