"Minister Blaney Announces 2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran"

[The Bread Guy]

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced that 2013 will mark the Year of the Korean War Veteran. Minister Blaney made the announcement today at a special event held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. He was joined by Senator Yonah Martin, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, and Korean Veterans.

"Our Government is honoured to mark 2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran," said Minister Blaney. "It is our duty today to pay tribute to more 26,000 Canadian men and women in uniform who came to the aid of South Koreans during the Korean War, and in particular the 516 Canadians who gave their lives in service to defend the values of peace and freedom on the Korean peninsula."

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice," said Senator Yonah Martin. "In the years that followed, Korean War Veterans have diligently strived to respectfully commemorate the sacrifices of so many of their fellow Canadians. This year, our nations will pay special tribute to their sacrifices."

"The Korean War, Canada’s third bloodiest conflict, commenced in 1950," said John Bishop, National President of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. "The 60th anniversary of the ceasefire will occur this year, and will be remembered by all those who served in Korea. We will not forget our 516 comrades who made the supreme sacrifice, or the 1,558 who were wounded. Minister Blaney’s strong commitment to honouring those who served in Korea should be commended. We are very grateful for his efforts."

During the event, Minister Blaney also launched and demonstrated an interactive Web site feature, Land of the Morning Calm, which is now available at veterans.gc.ca. This feature presents Korean War history and archival footage, interviews with Korean War Veterans and an interactive history calendar. The feature is presented in broadcast style, complete with news anchor and video footage ....

VAC Info-machine, 8 Jan 13

 

[medicineman]

Will we have to wear a commemorative pin?

MM

 

[211RadOp]

Will we have to wear a commemorative pin?

MM

That was my thought after reading this early this morning before my second coffee.

 

[PuckChaser]

Will we have to wear a commemorative pin?

MM

3 week discussion on how to wear it with the War of 1812 pin...  :

 

[medicineman]

3 week discussion on how to wear it with the War of 1812 pin...  :

You think it'll only be three weeks...keep dreaming...

 

[Loachman]

That was my thought after reading this early this morning before my second coffee.

Mine too.

We're probably all getting a little pin-flinchy.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Will we have to wear a commemorative pin?

MM

No, but there's soon going to be a new annual holiday on July 27....

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, joined Senator Yonah Martin and Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins today to express support of Bill S-213: An Act Respecting a National Day of Remembrance in Honour of Veterans of the Korean War, which has passed through third reading in the House of Commons. The Act will establish a new national day of recognition—Korean War Veterans Day—to be held each year on July 27.

"Setting aside July 27th of each year as a day of remembrance will honour the more than 26,000 Canadian men and women who came to the aid of South Koreans during the Korean War, and in particular the 516 Canadians who gave their lives in service to defend the values of peace and freedom," said Minister Blaney.

"The Korean War Veterans Day Act will help to ensure the Korean War will forever be remembered," said Senator Martin. "It is our duty to do everything we can to recognize and honour the sacrifices made by all who served in the Korean War."

"The Korean War will always be an important chapter in our country’s proud military history and it deserves this special day of recognition," said MP Calkins. "July 27 will honour our shared history, which includes actively ensuring that Canada’s Veterans and the Korean War are never forgotten."

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, and the fighting ended on July 27, 1953, with the signing of the Korea Armistice Agreement ....

More on Bill S-213: An Act Respecting a National Day of Remembrance in Honour of Veterans of the Korean War here

 

[Pat in Halifax]

Didn't we wear a 50th anniversary pin of the War in Korea in 2002? I say it that way because my unit at the time was being considerd for one of the events and the vets kept reminding me that the term Korean War implies only Koreans fought in it.

 

[The Bread Guy]

No, but there's soon going to be a new annual holiday on July 27....
More on Bill S-213: An Act Respecting a National Day of Remembrance in Honour of Veterans of the Korean War here

That time of year again - this from the PM:

“Today, we honour Canada’s Korean War veterans who fought to defend the Republic of Korea and help fortify its freedom and democracy in the face of Communist aggression.

“In July 1950, at a time of limited strength after the Second World War, Canada committed troops to the United Nations Forces in Korea, first dispatching three Royal Canadian Navy destroyers — HMCS Cayuga, Athabaskan and Sioux — to Korean waters. What followed would be among the largest military deployments in Canadian history, which included five more destroyers, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army Special Force. 

“Across the Korean peninsula and on the front lines, in rugged, desperate areas like Hill 677 in the Kapyong Valley, Hill 355, the village of Chail-li, the Chorwon Valley and the Imjin salient, more than 26,000 Canadians served between 1950 to 1953, and an additional 7,000 troops served until the end of 1955, following the signing of the Korea Armistice Agreement.

“Canada’s casualties during the Korean War numbered more than 1,500, including 516 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nearly 400 Canadians rest in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan today.

“On this day, when we reflect on a time marked by extraordinary service and spirit, it is important to remember those brave Canadians who gave their lives and the sacrifices that their families made, as well as those who continue to serve with distinction and pride.”