The Korean War Veterans Memorial Service will pay tribute to those who fought in the ‘Forgotten War’ that began in June 1950 and ended with the signing of an armistice in July 1953. More than 1200 Australians were wounded during the three-year war; 339 were killed.
Up until 2010, the Cockburn RSL had held a service on April 24 known as Kapyong Day, but RSL member and veteran Arthur Stanton said numbers weren’t great as Anzac Day followed the day after.
He said the standalone event meant people were now able to support it, which was important considering the toll taken on Australian soldiers.
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READ NOW‘The Korean War was never initially well known as most Australians in those days were still recovering from World War Two,’ he said.
‘It was not and is still not well known that 17,000 Australians served in Korea, that 339 lost their lives in battle, 1500 were wounded and 29 were taken as prisoners of war. We must ensure that we never forget those that paid the supreme sacrifice.’