A mission party, comprising eight members of the Korean War veteran community, has returned home this week after travelling to Korea to participate in commemorations marking the 60th anniversary of major engagements of the War.
 
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said it was a privilege to join the party and share the experience.
 
“The veterans represented all arms of service, along with nurses, and also the son of an Australian soldier missing in action – all have unique and fascinating stories from their wartime experiences,” he said.
 
“It was an honour to share what was a very personal and emotional journey for many of the participants. Visiting old battle grounds, the group said goodbye to mates and loved ones who were laid to rest in Korea.
 
“We also paid our respects to all those who served and died in Korea in a number of commemorative ceremonies in Busan, Kapyong, Maryang San, and Seoul.
 
“I honour each and every one of the veterans that came to the aid of Korea 60 years ago, they deserve to be recognised for their courage and tenacity, and for the sacrifices they have made,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
The mission included a commemorative ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, Busan, for the 43 Australian servicemen listed as missing in action in the Korean War, and a United Nations Day Ceremony with other nations.
 
One of the highlights of the trip included the dedication of the newly restored Australian Monument. First built in 1998, the Monument was recently restored with an Australian Government grant of $75,000 under the Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorials Restoration Program.
 
“The Monument is a lasting tribute to all Australians who served in the Korean War and stands alongside other memorials dedicated to the thousands of Commonwealth Allies and United Nations forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
More than 17,000 Australians served in the Korean War and post-Armistice until 1957. Of those 340 lost their lives during the war and 18 more died in the post-Armistice period, more than 1,200 were wounded, 30 became prisoners of war and 43 were listed as missing in action.
 
The Korean War was a significant event in Australia’s military history – marking the first collective military action by the United Nations, an organisation of which Australia had been a founding member.
 
“Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses won international respect for their courage, endurance and professional skills in Korea,” he said.