NDP Statement on Korean War Veterans Day

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

“On this day, 65 years ago, soldiers from nearly 20 countries put down their weapons as a ceasefire was signed, bringing an end to one of the dirtiest, bloodiest, and deadliest conflicts Canadian soldiers were ever involved in, the Korean War.

Over the three years of this brutal combat, more than 26,000 young Canadians – many of whom were WWII veterans – left their loved ones behind to defend a country halfway around the world. They fought bravely in harsh weather conditions – in freezing and wet trenches – and engaged enemy forces in crucial battles, like Kapyong, one of Canada’s most important victories.

The cost of the war was heavy on all sides, as hundreds of thousands of military people and civilians lost their lives, including 516 Canadians who never returned home.

Today, New Democrats join all Canadians in honouring the brave veterans of the Canadian army who fought valiantly during the Korean War, so that today, South Koreans can live in peace and prosperity. Their courage and sacrifice will be forever remembered.

On this Korean War Veterans Day, let us also remember our current military personnel, and their families, who continue to fight every day to ensure that the values of peace, freedom, and democracy are defended around the world. We owe all our Veterans a debt of gratitude.”