Korean vets’ grandchildren offered trips
New Zealanders know little about the Korean War and that is something the government of the Republic of Korea wants to change.
Almost 6000 Kiwis served in Korea between 1950 and 1957.
It is a sacrifice the Korean Government honours by sponsoring vets and their children on free trips to Korea.
With veterans getting ever older, the trips have now been extended to include the grandchildren of veterans.
At a lunch with veterans at the Fitzroy Tavern in Wainuiomata, Korean ambassador Seung-bae Yeo urged the grandchildren of vets to apply for the trips.
He said the relationship between the two countries was strong and the Republic of Korea would always appreciate the support it received from New Zealand.
‘‘We want to show appreciation for the sacrifice and contributions of the United Nations forces in the Korean War and to maintain positive ties with third and fourth-generation family members of those who served.’’
He had been in New Zealand for two years and said maintaining the relationship between the two countries was his priority.
‘‘Koreans regard war veterans, each
and everyone of them, as heroes who saved our freedom and democracy.’’
As well as encouraging young New Zealanders to learn more about the war, he also encouraged young Koreans living here to take every opportunity to meet Kiwi veterans.
The announcement was a rare opportunity for veterans to get together. The Korean War Veterans’ Association was wound up in 2016 but nine veterans were on hand to meet the ambassador.
He was presented with a picture of the official Korean residency in Wellington by 88-year-old Colin Smith, who thanked the ambassador for the way Koreans had always made Kiwis feel welcome.
The Korean Embassy in Wellington is taking applications for the ‘‘Peace Camp for Youth’’, which is organised by its Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
Applications forms are on the Korean Embassy website or email infonz@mofa.go.kr
‘‘Koreans regard war veterans, each and everyone of them, as heroes who saved our freedom and democracy.’’ Ambassador Seung-bae Yeo