Long seen as a forgotten war, the Korean War is now recognized as an important chapter in Canada’s proud military history. More than 26,000 brave Canadians served on land, at sea and in the air from 1950 to 1953. Sadly, 516 Canadians lost their lives in this bitter conflict.
In 1950, when the United Nations Security Council passed Resolutions 82, 83, 84, and 85, which called upon North Korea to withdraw its forces north of the 38th parallel, Canada was still reconstituting from the effects of the Second World War, and had concerns that sending ground troops to the Korean peninsula would leave Canada without a ready response in case the Soviet Union challenged the newly-created NATO.
As a solution, Canada formed a volunteer force, and the Canadian Army Special Force was established in August 1950 for service in the Korean War. Following training in Canada and Washington State, soldiers reached the front lines in February 1951.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the Embassy of Canada is currently featuring the exhibit, “Canada and the Korean War”, showcasing stories and historical imagery of the Canadian experience in Korea.
The exhibit examines the timeline of Canada’s participation in the war, tells the stories of some of Canada’s bloodiest battles, and celebrates the contributions and successes of soldiers, sailors, and aviators in the region as well as those who supported from the United States and Canada. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the Canadian military contribution on the Korean Peninsula since 1950, see some of the most iconic imagery from the war, as well as experience video and audio representations of the Canadian Army experience from 1951 to 1953.
The exhibit is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. free of charge at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C.
We hope to see you there!