On October 2nd, veterans, diplomats, government officials and special guests came together at the Canadian Museum of History to celebrate Korean Armed Forces Day.
Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada, the event was a beautiful reflection of Canada and South Korea’s almost 60 years of diplomatic relations complete with inspiring speeches by the Korean Ambassador to Canada and prominent government and military figures.
His Excellency Shin Maeng-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada, was the first to take the stage. Ambassador Shin expressed his love and appreciation for Canada and how the relations between the two countries remain so strong because of our shared values and beliefs towards issues like the environment, gender equality and democracy.
The focus of this event however, and something that forever ties Canada and South Korea together, was our military history. The Canadian Army was highly involved in the mid-twentieth century Korean War. The war started in 1950 and lasted until 1953 and is arguably one of the most significant chapters in Canada’s military legacy. During this three year period, over 26,000 Canadians fought alongside the armies of South Korea, American forces and others, against North Korea’s communist regime.
It was evident among the Korean War veterans in the room, now in their eighties, that they still feel a strong sense of pride for what they accomplished alongside their allies in South Korea over 60 years ago.
In a time when there is much strife and conflict in the world, it is inspiring to experience a celebration of friendship between two nations that share more similarities than one may think. Canada and South Korea are forever tied together by their shared military history and hopefully the positive, diplomatic relations only continue to strengthen for many years to come.
