The Korean War Veteran Internet Journal - July 28, 2011 At Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance Prime Minister, other government dignitaries,veterans, commemorate those who fell in Korean War service Except where noted, all of the photographs shown in this edition were taken by Major Charles Kim, past president of the Korean Veterans Association Canada Eastern Chapter, who is liaison officer with the Korea Veterans Association of Canada and a highly respect member of the Korean Community of the Greater Toronto area. Charles lugged around a heavy camera equipped with a very heavy 400 mm telephoto lens, so that he could do his job from afar and not interfere with the ceremonies or with security represenatatives. Charles served with the ROK Army in the Korean War and in Vietnam. He had his 80th birthday last year and has been a citizen of Canada for more than 30 years.
Here they come, led by Colour Party and contingent of the Korean Veterans Canada Eastern Chapter, followed by members of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. What a breed they are! All these veterans are in their late 70 s or in their 80 s, yet they march in the hot July 27 sun with gusto and aplomb. Their minds, no doubt, are on days gone by, when six decades ago they served in the Korean War. How can any Canadian not be proud of such as them! They still hold the torch high. Photo by Joanne Ware. Yes, it was 61 years ago that some of them served in Korea and at least 58 years ago for all of them, but those who could marched proud and with aplomb onto the grounds of Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, Ontario and formed up again near the Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance.
The veterans built the Wall themselves some 14 years ago, raising funds by subscription across Canada, raffling a new Hyundai car, with every Korea Veterans Association of Canada Unit donating, and many, many branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and other patriotic organizations and individuals chipping in. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada was there to receive them and to join with them in honouring their comrades who fell in Korean War service, and to honour them, too, for all surely deserved such respect. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David C. Onley was there, too, as the Queen of Canada s representative. Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs paid the veterans tribute, those fallen, those who have passed on since the war, and those yet with us. Senator Yonah Martin, a staunch champion of Canada s Korean War Veterans was there, too, and indeed she and the Prime Minister jointly placed a memorial wreath at the Wall.
Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, places wreath at Memorial Wall, with Veteran Sam Carr and police aide assisting. At podium is master of ceremonies, Colonel James W. "Scotty" Martin, who served in Korea with The Royal Canadian Regiment.
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David C. Onley says silent prayer after wreath is placed at Wall of Remembrance. Photo by Joanne Ware. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Senator Yonah Martin place wreath and give silent prayer for those who fell in Korean War service. Sam Carr, parade marshal is behind them.
Parade marshal Sam Carr, veteran of The Royal Canadian Regiment who is a member of KVA Canada Unit 7 in London, Ontario, escorts Prime Minister Stephen Harper as he inspects the Veterans Guard of Honour.
Enjoying the march past are (left) Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs; Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; Senator Yonah Martin; Honourable Ji-In Hong, Korean Consul General, and Lieutenant Colonel John Bishop, National President of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.
What disabilities? David A. Davidson, a past president of KVA Canada leads march past on his scooter and salutes Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who has used one much longer than Davidson. Senator Yonah Martin and Prime Minister Stephen Harper proudly acknowledge veterans marching past in review. Senator Martin, a dynamic advocate for Korean War Veterans, placed the motion before the Canadian Senate that resulted in July 27 being accorded special status as National Korean War Veterans Day. Born in Korea, she is a tireless supporter of Korean War Veterans causes. She has said many times with heartfelt sincerity that, but for the valiant service of Korean War Veterans she would not be here today.
A couple of young comrades who have served as national vice presidents of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. (Left) Douglas Finney is the current national vice president. He took over the position when Paul Rochon (right) retired from the post in December, 2010.. Two others who have served their fellow veterans for decades. David A. Davidson, seated on electric scooter, is a former national president of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Kitchener, Ontario and a longtime, hard working member of the association. With him is Clyde Bougie, the founding president of KVA Canada, who served in the Canadian Army during World War Two, as well as in Korea.
Three caballeros enjoy a moment following the luncheon reception at the Mississauga Convention Centre. Major Charles Kim is the past national president of the Korean Veterans Association, Canada Eastern Chapter and liaison to the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. He also was official photographer at the National Korean War Veterans Day services. Terry Wickens, the day before the event, was elected as president of the Ontario Region of KVA Canada. At the reception he was awarded the Sung-rye Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit by Consul General Ji-In Hong. He is the only Canadian Korean War Veteran to receive this high honour. It is an official Order of Korea and he will be Gazetted and receive approval to officially wear the decoration at all times. Lieutenant Colonel John Bishop, national president of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada smiles with approval and no doubt is very proud of his two fellow veterans who worked so hard to help make the ceremonies and the banquet a big success.