60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, took part in a wreath laying and ceremony of remembrance on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, on June 23, 2013, at the National War Memorial, in Ottawa. His Excellency, joined by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, thanked Canadian veterans for their service to our country.

2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea.

During the ceremony, the Governor General inspected the ranks of veterans. On June 25, 1950, armed forces from North Korea crossed the 38th parallel into the Republic of Korea, marking the beginning of hostilities throughout the country. More than 26,000 Canadian men and women joined combat forces from 15 other United Nations countries sent to Korea to restore peace.

The active fighting ended with the signing of the Armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, though approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve in Korea until the end of 1955. Some Canadian troops remained in Korea until 1957.

Korean veterans also attended the ceremony.

As commander-in-chief of Canada, His Excellency laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Canada, to pay tribute to the 26 000 Canadian men and women who came to the aid of South Koreans during the Korean War, and to the 516 Canadians who lost their lives in service to their country.

Crowds gathered around the National War Memorial to honour our Canadian veterans.

The ceremony concluded with a march past.