Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 58th and 60th anniversaries of two Historic Battles of the Korean War

May 06, 2011

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to pay tribute to the 26,791 Canadians who served in the Korean War and the 7000 who served in the theatre from the cease-fire to the end of 1955.

“May 3rd, 2011 marked the 58th anniversary of the battle for Hill 187 during the Korean War. I would like to acknowledge the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment who fought on Hill 187 and did not give up despite the odds. Brigadier Jean Allard, who commanded the 25th Infantry Brigade, considered this battle a victory for the enemy and a loss for the newly arrived Royals.

"This week, as we enjoy the freedom they fought so hard to ensure, we remember the brave Royals who fought on Hill 187 in May 1953. We remember those who survived and those who died to defend Korea.

“The Korean War, like all wars, was marked by both losses and triumphs.  One most notable achievement, particularly for Canadians, was the Battle of Kapyong on Hill 677. April 24th, 2011 marked the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, a battle in which the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry defended the front line against enemy forces that greatly outnumbered the Canadians. The Battle of Kapyong in April 1951 earned the brave Canadians a United States Presidential Citation for their undeniable valour.

“Senator Yonah Martin participated in the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong Commemoration here in Ottawa on April 15, 2011 as well as at the Kapyong Commemoration in the Republic of Korea on April 24th 2011. Nearly 50 Canadian heroes of the Korean War, including 18 Kapyong veterans with Honour Guards and 35 current serving officers of PPCLI stood at the foot of Hill 677 to pay respects, during a week-long 60th Anniversary Revisit Program organized by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the ROK.

“The tragedy of the Battle of Hill 187 and the incredible victory of the Battle of Kapyong – two of the unforgettable battles of the Korean War – had not been properly reported in Canadian newspapers then. Today on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to honor the Canadian veterans of the Korean War and acknowledge these important days for Canada. 

"I encourage all Canadians to remember these historic days in hopes that the Korean War will never be 'forgotten'."

We will remember them.  Lest we forget.