Minister O’Regan launches 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice events
News release
Artist Ted Zuber and Nepean High School students participate in poster launch at Korean Cultural Centre Canada
May 23, 2018 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada
Canadians volunteered by the thousands and served courageously during the Korean War to protect the values and freedoms we cherish. As we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, we recognize and honour the efforts and the sacrifices of those who forged the difficult road to peace for the benefit of all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and His Excellency Shin Maeng-Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada, unveiled the poster to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. Korean War Veteran and artist Ted Zuber, whose painting is featured on the poster, also participated in the unveiling.
Canadian Korean War Veterans, representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada and local students participated in this event held at the Korean Cultural Centre Canada. The students, from Nepean High School, presented the Korean War Veterans with personal notes of thanks on Postcards for Peace.
Quotes
“Some Korean War Veterans, like today’s Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, returned home, changed forever, suffering from their wounds long after the fighting was over; while others did not return at all. We remember the bravery and sacrifice of these Canadians, including Korean War Veteran Ted Zuber. Mr. Zuber’s painting, Freeze, was used to create this new poster to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. It is inspiring to see the Nepean High School students here today connect with many Veterans who make our military history come to life for them.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of the Department of National Defence
Quick facts
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The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. Nineteen United Nations members, including Canada, contributed military forces to help defend South Korea.
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More than 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War; 516 Canadians were killed in Canada’s third deadliest conflict.
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More than 5,000 Canadian women were recruited for military service during the Korean War.
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Fighting in the Korean War ended on July 27, 1953, with the signing of the Armistice in Panmunjom.
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Some 7,000 Canadian troops would continue to serve in Korea in a peace support role after the Armistice. The last of our military forces departed in 1957.
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Korea was a difficult place to fight. The hilly country is crisscrossed with valleys, rivers and swamps. The summers are often hot and its winters can be frigid.
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Through Postcards for Peace, Canadian youth learn about the achievement and sacrifices of those who served and send a personal thank you to Veterans for their service and courage.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca
Alex Wellstead
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Alex.Wellstead@Canada.ca
Natalie SoEan Her
Executive Assistant to the Defence Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada
613-244-5027
Defenceaide@mofa.go.kr