71st anniversary of the end of the Korean War
Tomorrow, 71 years ago, an armistice was signed, ending fighting in the Korean War. Since then, Australians have commemorated Korean Veterans’ Day on 27 July.
While still recovering from the losses of the Second World War, Australians fought to defend South Korea after the Korean People's Army of North Korea invaded and captured its capital, Seoul.
The Australian Government quickly committed to the war as one of the 21 member states of the United Nations that sent military forces or medical support to aid the South, deploying personnel from each of Australia's three defence services. It was also the first conflict for the newly formed Australian Regular Army.
Some 18,000 Australians served in the fighting and the post-armistice phase of the Korean War.
Tragically, more than 350 Australians lost their lives, with more than 1,200 wounded, 30 taken prisoner, and more than 40 servicemen still listed as missing in action.
On 27 July, we honour and recognise all Korean War veterans who served and sacrificed in the pursuit of peace.
