“In July 1950, at a time of limited strength after the Second World War, Canada committed troops to the United Nations Forces in Korea, first dispatching three Royal Canadian Navy destroyers — HMCS Cayuga, Athabaskan and Sioux — to Korean waters. What followed would be among the largest military deployments in Canadian history, which included five more destroyers, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army Special Force.

“Across the Korean peninsula and on the front lines, in rugged, desperate areas like Hill 677 in the Kapyong Valley, Hill 355, the village of Chail-li, the Chorwon Valley and the Imjin salient, more than 26,000 Canadians served between 1950 to 1953, and an additional 7,000 troops served until the end of 1955, following the signing of the Korea Armistice Agreement.

“Canada’s casualties during the Korean War numbered more than 1,500, including 516 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nearly 400 Canadians rest in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan today.

“On this day, when we reflect on a time marked by extraordinary service and spirit, it is important to remember those brave Canadians who gave their lives and the sacrifices that their families made, as well as those who continue to serve with distinction and pride.”

스티븐 하퍼 총리는 오늘 한국전 참전용사의 날을 기리기 위해 아래의 성명서를 발표했습니다:

“오늘, 우리는 공산주의의 침략으로부터 대한민국을 지키며 한국의 자유와 민주주의의 강화를 돕기 위해 싸운 캐나다 한국전 참전용사분들을 기립니다.  

“1950년 7월, 2차 세계 대전 이후 한정된 군사력이 남아 있을 당시, 캐나다는 유엔군에 병력을 투입하며, 캐나다 해군 구축함 3척 - HMCS Cayuga, Athabaskan and Sioux - 을 먼저 한반도 해양에 파견했습니다. 그 이후에는 캐나다 역사상 가장 많은 군사 배치 중 하나인 5척의 구축함 추가파견, 캐나다 공군과 특수부대를 파견했습니다.

“한반도 전역과 전선, 가평 계곡의 677 고지, 355 고지, 차일리, 철원계곡 그리고 임진각같이 험하고 위험한 지역에서 26,000명이 넘는 캐나다인이 1950년에서 1953년 사이에 복무했으며, 정전협정 후 7,000명의 군인이 추가로 1955년 말까지 복무했습니다.

“한국전쟁 중 캐나다 부상자는 1,500명이 넘었으며 그중 516명의 숭고한 희생이 있었습니다. 400명에 달하는 캐나다인들은 오늘날 부산 UN기념공원에 안치되어 있습니다.

“비범한 공헌과 정신으로 기념되는 이 날, 자신의 삶을 바친 용감한 캐나다인들과 가족들의 희생,그리고 지금도 자부심과 특별함을 가지고 공헌하는 이들을 기억하는 것은 중요합니다.”