Korean War veterans gather to commemorate 75th anniversary

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War and post-armistice period. Last week, on 25 June, Korean War veterans, families and descendants gathered for a moving National Commemorative Service at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra.

The service was broadcast nationally by the ABC and is available on iView (iview.abc.net.au and search for ‘Korean War’).

The anniversary was an opportunity to honour and remember the service of all Australians who served in the Korean War, their sacrifice, and the families who supported them.

In June 1950, a mere 5 years after the Second World War ended, Australians again found themselves at war – our nation became one of the first to be involved in the Korean War. Australia became only the second nation, after the United States, to commit to the war personnel from all three armed services. Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses were posted to both Korea and the support base in Japan. They won international respect for their courage, endurance and dedication to duty.

“The winter months were shocking in the snow, rivers froze. But we [Australian soldiers] always got on well together, because we had a job to do.” - Mr John Munro OAM RFD ED, Korean War veteran

The Korean War has been largely overshadowed by the global devastation of the Second World War and the Vietnam War – the latter being one of the longest conflicts of the 20th Century. Nevertheless, the role of Australian service personnel during the Korean War was significant and deserves national recognition. 

“The South Koreans treated us with the utmost respect. It was clear how enduringly grateful they were for how Australia stepped up to help them.” - Mr John Taylor, Korean War veteran

Seventy-five years on, we remember the more than 18,000 Australian personnel who served in Korea and those who paid the ultimate price: 340 in the Korean War, 16 while monitoring the ceasefire after the armistice, and 11 in the support base in Japan. We remember the wounded, those taken prisoner and those who lost their lives, 42 who have no known grave. We thank you for your service.

Lest we forget.

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