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The Korean War: Canadian veterans send a message to Ottawa

It is called Canada's "Forgotten War." Over 500 Canadians died in the United Nations' struggle to repel the communist forces that invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. To the people they helped liberate, the Canadians were heroes. Yet those who made it home returned to an indifferent country and a government that took 40 years to officially acknowledge their sacrifice.

When Canadian troops withdrew from Korea in 1955 they returned home to indifference instead of parades. Today, Canadian veterans are still fighting for recognition for their years of service and sacrifice. Taking matters into their own hands, Canada's forgotten heroes unveiled a bronze statue in Windsor, Ont.; an exact replica of the memorial statue in the U.N. Cemetery in South Korea.

In this clip, they explain how they hope it will eventually be moved to Ottawa where it can be properly showcased.
. Close to 30,000 Canadian troops fought in the Korean War. More than 500 died.
. 378 Canadians are buried in the United Nations Cemetery in Pusan, South Korea.
. Canadian veterans also raised money themselves and erected a wall of remembrance in Brampton, Ont. Ottawa declined to contribute toward the wall.
. There is a Korean folk song that praises the Canadian troops who fought in Korea as "the brave sons of Canada."
Medium: Television
Program: Sunday Report
Broadcast Date: Dec. 15, 2002
Guest(s): Ted Barris, Sheila Copps, Vince Courtney, Leonard Pelletier, Lang Shucker
Host: Alison Smith
Reporter: Heather Hiscox
Duration: 2:19

Last updated: January 30, 2012

Page consulted on August 21, 2012

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