Minister O'Regan and Canadian Veterans ready to depart for Korea

VANCOUVER, May 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians take pride in their rich history and military heritage and a central responsibility of Veterans Affairs Canada is to pay tribute to the selfless service and contributions of Canada's Veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, along with 14 Canadian Korean War Veterans and their caregivers, gathered prior to departing for the Republic of Korea. Once there, they will take part in events recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of those who served during the Korean War. In July 2018 we will mark the 65^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

During a brief ceremonial portion of the gathering, local cadets introduced each Veteran and presented them with postcards, written by the cadets and local students. The Veterans and their caregivers are participants in the Revisit Korea Program, organized annually by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Representatives of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea also attended the event, as did various parliamentarians.

Quotes
"The courage of these 14 Veterans, and the thousands of other Canadians who went half-way around the world to defend Canada's freedoms and values in Korea, is truly impressive. It's an honour to join them as they return to the place of their service?a place where friends were made and lost, and a place where Canadians again distinguished themselves and their country on the field of battle."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• More than 26,000 Canadian men and women served in the Korean War.
• The names of the 516 Canadians who died in service during the war are inscribed in the Korean War Book of Remembrance located in the Peace Tower in Ottawa.
• Fighting in Korea came to an end when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953.
• Approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve as peacekeepers in Korea until the end of 1955.
• Each year, the Revisit Korea Program subsidizes airfare for about 600 Veterans (and a guest) as a way of expressing the gratitude of the Korean people to Korean War Veterans from 21 United Nation allies, including Canada.

Associated Links

• Heroes Remember the Korean War
• Canada Remembers the Korean War
• Canadian Cadet Organizations

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada