MP Royal Galipeau Marks 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

OTTAWA, July 27, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, took part in a ceremony at the National War Memorial to mark the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. Today's event was one of several ceremonies taking place across Canada this weekend to mark the signing of the Korean War Armistice. The ceremony also marked the first official Korean War Veterans Day. In June, the Government of Canada passed Bill S-213: An Act Respecting a National Day of Remembrance to Honour Canadian Veterans of the Korean War. The Act, which received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013, established a new national day of recognition to be held each year on July 27.

"Establishing July 27 as a national day of recognition serves as a way to honour our Veterans and this important moment in Canada's history," said Minister Fantino. "Today, Canadians will pause to remember the men and women in uniform who came to the aid of South Koreans during the Korean War."

From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea - working to restore peace and stability to the area. On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice was signed, ending three years of fighting. Some 7,000 Canadians continued to serve there between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. In total, 516 brave young Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.

"South Koreans have never forgotten the courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and we have a duty to ensure Canadians never do either," said MP Royal Galipeau.

"The Korean War Veterans Day Act will help ensure that the Korean War will forever be remembered," said Cho Hee-yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. "The contributions and sacrifices of Korean War Veterans helped the Republic of Korea become the vibrant and successful nation we know today."

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.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information:

Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649