Written by Julian Bae, Photos by JiYun Shin
As an expression of deep gratitude for their collective service and sacrifice, the Government of the Republic of Korea is sending face masks to Korean War Veterans across Canada, in the hope that the protective equipment will help in the fight against COVID-19.
The Korean War was fought from 1950 to 1953. More than 26,000 Canadians served, and sadly, 516 Canadians lost their lives in the conflict.
As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) of the Republic of Korea has announced that over one million protective face masks will be distributed across 22 countries to veterans of the Korean War.
In honour of the occasion, the Korean Embassy in Ottawa held an intimate donation ceremony on Thursday, May 21st at 11 a.m. at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. General (retired) Walt Natynczyk, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, as well as Mr. Bill Black, President of Unit 7 of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, were in attendance to welcome Korea’s gift.
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, MPVA Korea is hosting various appreciation events under the overarching theme of ‘Memory, Together, and Peace,’ to pay tribute to all those who fought for Korea.
His Excellency Maeng-ho Shin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada, also echoed its message, noting that “as our two nations did 70 years ago in the war, Korea and Canada shall overcome the COVID-19 crisis together standing side-by-side.”
The Government of the Republic of Korea will continue to find additional measures in support of the Korean War Veterans in Canada, to help them better cope with COVID-19.
Korean War Veterans who wish to obtain protective masks may contact their nearest Korea Veterans Association Unit, the Korean Embassy in Ottawa, or the Korean Consulates General located in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Editor’s Note: Esprit de Corps was very pleased to be invited to witness this ‘socially distanced’ ceremony. It is a very generous gift from the Korean Government to our Korean War veterans.
The tiny audience allowed everyone to remain safe, and the takeaway bag of Korean food (pictured above) was absolutely sublime.
