Remembering the 'forgotten' war

Korean War veterans will gather at the National War Memorial in Wellington at 11.00am on Friday 25 June to remember those New Zealand military personnel who lost their lives during the Korean War.

The ceremony, held on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, will be conducted by the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Principal Defence Chaplain Don Parker.

Commodore Bruce Pepperell, representing the Chief of Defence Force, will lay a wreath on behalf of the men and women of the Defence Force.

Korean Veterans Association National Secretary Doug Callander and North Island Vice President Des Vinten will lay a wreath on behalf of the Korean Veterans Association.

Mr Vinten said, “The Korean War has often been referred to as 'the forgotten war' but for those who served there it is far from forgotten. On Friday I will be thinking of the guys I served with and those who lost their lives as well as the Korean civilians who suffered during the war.

“When I went back to South Korea in 2009 I was pleased to see the incredible progress the country has made in 60 years. South Korea is a celebration of success against insurmountable odds.”

When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, New Zealand was one of the first of 16 nations to respond to the United Nations Security Council’s call for combat assistance.

In all, about 4,700 men served as part of Kayforce, offering artillery, transport and support elements under United Nations command. A further 1,300 Royal New Zealand Navy personnel took part in tours of duty during the Korean War. A total of 33 New Zealanders died on active service; 79 were wounded, and one was taken prisoner before the armistice came into effect. In addition another 12 New Zealand personnel lost their lives before the withdrawal of our forces.

After lengthy negotiations an armistice agreement signed on 27 July 1953 finally brought the fighting to an end. However, Kayforce was not fully withdrawn from Korea until July 1957.

The 60th anniversary will be marked with a number of events over the next few months including a visit to Korea by a group of New Zealand university students who are descendants of Korean veterans.