[projekktor id=’14196′]
Nine young Canadian sailors killed in action during the Korean war now have a permanent memorial.
The unveiling ceremony was held at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington Monday. Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino gave an address and Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson read a statement from the prime minister. The Korean War Naval Memorial Monument was a passion project for many. Having a permanent place of remembrance was especially important given the nature of sea combat.
John Kirk is a veteran from the HMCS Iroquois: “Of the 516 men that were killed in Korea, they’re all lost at sea and are buried at sea. But the other ones were actually buried in Busan which is the United Nations cemetery in Korea and the other the other 3 gentlemen off the Iroquois are buried in Yokohama.”
Andy Barber is the co-ordinator of the memorial project: “All in all, it was joyous adventure, a joyous journey all the from start to finish to get this monument up. And as I said in my closing speech, now those boys have come home.”
The monument’s goal is not only to remind but to educate and interest younger generations about the Canadian sacrifice during the Korean War.
