South Korea says thank you to Canadian vets

Sacrifices during the ‘Forgotten War’ will always be remembered, Yunje Lee writes.

The Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War.” However, it is not true of Koreans, who have never forgotten the war and celebrate every June to remember the war and the allies who helped us during it.

The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950, after the invasion of the Republic of Korea (ROK) by North Korea. In the first few months, the ROK was overwhelmed by the North Korean forces, but fought back with the support of 22 states, including Canada, acting under the flag of the United Nations.

Canada sent around 27,000 soldiers, the third-largest deployment after the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also notable that Canada was one of only four states to send support from all branches of its armed forces: army, navy and air force.

The Royal Canadian Army boosted the morale of Korean people as they arrived at a critical moment in early 1951, when the retreating Communist forces counterattacked massively the ROK-UN allied forces. Among the Canadian Army’s many operations, I would like to mention the operations at the Gapyeong Valley and at Hill 355, the nickname of which was “Little Gibraltar.” At Gapyeong, the Canadian Army, being a member of the British Commonwealth Brigade, successfully completed its mission to cover the ROK army in operation, which contributed to saving many ROK soldiers. At Hill 355, the strategic value of which is implied in its nickname, the Canadian

Royal 22nd Regiment, also known as the Van Doos, was deployed. The regiment defended successfully the Hill against waves of attacks by much larger Communist forces from November 1951 to October 1952. The Hill 355 operation is recognized as a significant legacy of the Canadian Army during the Korean War.

The roles of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force are also noteworthy. Patrolling mainly on the Yellow Sea, the Canadian navy hindered the Communist forces from moving along the main roads passing the western part of the Korean Peninsula. The Canadian 426 airlift squadron made about 600 round trips across the Pacific to provide the ROK-UN allied forces logistical support. I also would like to mention the observation missions and medical care by air force and the Canadian volunteer pilots’ combat missions against the MIG-15 fleet with around 10 MIG “kills.”

Echoing the phrase “Freedom is not free,” Canada’s successful campaign during the Korean War was not without cost: 516 Canadian soldiers lost their lives and more than 1,000 soldiers were injured. However, their sacrifice was not in vain; thanks to their efforts and sacrifice, the ROK developed into an internationally recognized democracy and advanced economy.

Remembering the benevolence we received, we are returning the favour to the international community.

We are also inviting the Korean War veterans to Korea in order to show how the unknown “Land of Morning Calm” they had defended has developed. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal had planned a magnificent and meaningful event for Canadian veterans, only for it to succumb to the unexpected outbreak and spread of COVID -19. Instead, we sent thousands of masks made in Korea, along with small gifts, to all the surviving veterans in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces this June. I wish that they will stay safe and that I can meet them all soon.

In the Gapyeong County, a Canadian memorial stands, recalling the days of 70 years ago when the Republic of Korea and Canada fought together to defend democracy and freedom. Remembering those young Canadian soldiers’ sacrifice, we, the people of Korea say, “Thank you, veterans. We will remember all of you.”

Canada sent around 27,000 soldiers, the third-largest deployment after the United States and the United Kingdom.