Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM STATEMENT ON THE 55th ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE

July 27, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement regarding the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice:

More than half a century ago, North Korea invaded South Korea. The United Nations' response was swift and strong. For the first time in history, an international organization launched a multinational force to stop aggression.

Canada did not hesitate to support the United Nations force, and thousands of Canadians signed up to serve in Korea. They fought in swamps and rice fields, through torrential rain and snow, in the air and at sea. Canadians proved their mettle again and again, as they stood their ground against the enemy.

After three years of fighting, the guns were silenced by the Korean War Armistice on July 27, 1953. On this day, we remember the more than 26,000 Canadians who served during the Korean War. We remember the more than 7,000 Canadians who worked to restore peace and stability after the Armistice. We also honour the 516 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A Government of Canada delegation including Veterans, youth and parliamentarians recently made a journey of remembrance to South Korea. Led by the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, they returned to the gravesites of Canadian war dead and upheld our country's vow that "neither time nor distance shall lesson our remembrance."

During the Korean War, Canada reaffirmed its position as a nation committed to peace and democracy. Today, the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere are bravely and diligently confronting tyranny and oppression, in order to bring security to nations desperate for new beginnings.

Canada will never forget those who wore the Canadian uniform with pride, and the men and women who continue to serve our country today.

Lest we forget.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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