Minister Copps announces dedication of a Monument to Canadians who lost their lives in Korea
OTTAWA, August 13, 2003 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced that the Government of Canada will officially dedicate the Monument to Canadian Fallen, on September 28, in Ottawa. The year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, as well as 40 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Republic of Korea.The Monument to Canadian Fallen is a work in bronze that duplicates in detail the Monument to Canadian Fallen that was dedicated at the United Nations War Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea, in April 2002. "We Will Never Forget You Brave Sons of Canada" is inscribed at the base of the monument. It lists the names of all 516 Canadians who lost their lives in the course of Korean War service or subsequent Korean Peacekeeping service.
The monument, which is a gift of the Canadian Korean War Commemoration Committee, will be located on the north escarpment of Confederation Park, adjacent to the Mackenzie King Bridge. The granite base and its shipment to Canada have been donated by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
"The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing those who fought for equality, liberty and justice," said Minister Copps. "Recognizing and commemorating significant people and events is integral to the Canadian story. We strive to reflect and reaffirm our shared values and to foster a strengthened sense of what it means to be a part of the Canadian community."
"Erecting the Monument to the Fallen in Canada's capital is an important step in the ongoing commemoration of the brave Canadian soldiers who gave so much of themselves to secure freedom and democracy in Korea," said His Excellency Ki-ho Chang, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada. "It is my privilege on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Korea to express our profound gratitude to the Canadians who came to our aid more than fifty years ago."
The Government of Canada will announce further details on the project as they become available.
Veterans of the Korean War who are interested in attending the ceremony on September 28 in Ottawa should contact the Department of Canadian Heritage at
1 (866) 558-1511.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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