Page 1 of 7 KOREAN WAR VETERANS FETED AT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN NIAGARA FALLS The Korean War Veteran Internet Journal for the World s Veterans of the Korean War November 10, 2013 Korean War Veterans feted at Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls This year s Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls paid tribute to Canada s Korean War Veterans with Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson dedicating the opening night to all of them. Nicholson was there with many Korean War Veterans from the Niagara Falls Toronto region. "Our Government values and honours the contributions, accomplishments and sacrifices of all Canadian Veterans, including Veterans of the Korean War," Nicholson said in his address. "I am proud to be here today at the Winter Festival of Lights to pay tribute to the brave Canadians whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy today."
Page 2 of 7 The gala was supported in part by a grant from Veterans Affairs Canada, with VAC Minister Julian Fantino sending regards and attesting his pride in Canada s Korean War Veterans. "In this Year of the Korean War Veteran, we mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea," said Minister Fantino. "I am proud that our Government continues to partner with organizations such as this to host important commemorative events for Canadians." Korea was there, too! Many illuminated lanterns from the famed Nam River Yudeung Festival at Jinju were on display, including the tunnel of lanterns. Additionally, Korean dancers, singers, musicians entertained the crowds.
Page 3 of 7 Sparkling like the other lights were many intrepid Korean War Veterans who braved the icy night air to participate. They spent a winter in Korea during the war, most of them, but these days all of them are in their 80 s, some further than others. Shown below are some of them in photos taken during the warmer daylight hours. At night in Niagara Falls, near the thundering icy waters it gets very, very cold.
Page 4 of 7 Freedom is Not Free, the message reads on the cap of Major Charles Kim of Toronto. Charles gave Canada s Defence Minister Rob Nicholson (right) some history on the Korean War and maybe some on his own involvement in it. Charles was a very young infantry officer during the war. He later led the first South Korean contingent into Vietnam and retired from the ROK Army in the rank of major. Charles has been a member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada for many years and this year was
Page 5 of 7 awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his high level of service. Charles also wears the Korean War Medal on his right chest, because Canada s Chancery of Honours will not recognize the Korean service award and therefore Canadian veterans cannot comingle it with their Canadian and British medals and decorations, which are worn on the left chest. It is an archaic stance by Rideau Hall and one some of Canada s Korean War Veterans deeply resent. Some of them see it as a slur against the Republic of Korea, with which country the Canadian Government is trying to expand its ties. In fact, in addition to commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War this year, the Canadian Government also is commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations with South Korea. It would have been a good time to stop the nonsense and let these veterans wear the medal awarded all of them by South Korean President Syngman Rhee, on their left chest, where it properly belongs! New Zealand authorized its wearing 13 years ago! Charles Kim, a natural at rallying the troops, mingles with veterans who are members of KVA Canada Unit 15 from Niagara Falls and others. We don t know all of their names, but the fellow with the beard is Hubert Lalonde, who somehow or other managed to go with Veterans Affairs Canada on two fully paid Pilgrimages to Korea, and to is left in the cherry beret is Romeo Daly, president of KVA Canada Unit 15.
Page 6 of 7 Charles and Romeo Daly shake hands while Korean performers play Samulnori on stage. Charles was a special friend of the late Peter Worthington, a Korean War Veteran and founder of the Toronto Sun. Peter and Charles were roommates during the 2010 Korean War Veterans revisit to Korea.
Page 7 of 7 Niagara Falls will remain illuminated with light shows nightly through the end of January.