Turn to Busan ceremony honours those who served in the Korean War

Annual ceremony unites Canadians and South Koreans

OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's Veterans have served our country with bravery, honour, and dignity for generations. We remember those who gave their lives in service, and support those who continue to serve our country today. This Veterans' Week, we reflect on the contributions and sacrifices Canadians made during the Korean War.

Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, on behalf of the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined His Excellency Maeng-ho Shin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and Veterans at the annual Turn to Busan ceremony to honour and pay respect to those who served in the Korean War.

The commemorative ceremony, which mirrors the international tribute held at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the Republic of Korea, unites Canadians and South Koreans in remembrance. This is the tenth anniversary of the Canadian ceremony.

This Veterans' Week, express your gratitude and appreciation for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police members and those who have given their lives in service, who come from diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional backgrounds. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #Passchendaele100 or visit canada.ca/canada-remembers.

Quotes

"The sacrifices made by Canadians, South Koreans and the other allied countries during the Korean War remain an exceptional example of bravery, courage and unity in the face of adversity. I encourage all Canadians to take the time to honour and remember the brave men and women in uniform who fought for peace and freedom during the Korean War."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"It is truly an honour to pay tribute to the brave Canadians who fought during the Korean War and recognize their sacrifices and achievements at the Turn to Busan ceremony today. It was their selfless acts, along with those of our United Nations allies, that helped South Korea become a peaceful country. We will always remember those who served during the Korean War."

Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier

Quick Facts

• Busan is the location of the world's only United Nations Cemetery.
• Turning toward Busan on the eve of November 11 is a way of showing respect for all Canadians and other service members from United Nations countries who lost their lives during the Korean War.
• More than 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War, and 516 made the ultimate sacrifice.
• 2017 is a special year of commemoration for Canada, including Canada 150, the 100^th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 75^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
• Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in uniform to defend freedom and democracy?with more than 118,000 giving their lives.
• The Government of Canada has improved the services and benefits offered to Veterans and their caregivers and families. To all Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their families?Veterans Affairs Canada is here for you. Learn how we can help at veterans.gc.ca/services.

Associated Links

• Canada Remembers ? Official Veterans' Week webpage
• United Nations Memorial Cemetery

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada