On Thursday 27th July 2023, it will have been 70 years since the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which intended to bring a complete cessation of the hostilities of the Korean War.
On Thursday 27th July 2023, veterans’, the Armed Forces community, and members of the public, will gather at the Scottish Korean War Memorial, which is situated in Bathgate, West Lothian, at 10:00 for a wreath laying service.
The service at the Scottish Korean War Memorial will run prior to a UK service, which will be held at Horse Guards Parade, London, later that morning.
The Korean War, which ran from 1950 to 1953, has become known as the ‘Forgotten War’ due to its relative proximity to the end of the Second World War, and the beginning of the Cold War.
Yet, nearly 1,100 British Servicemen lost their lives to this conflict when the UK entered the war as part of a United Nations coalition which was tasked with defending South Korea from North Korean aggression.
As well as the deaths of over 1000 British Servicemen in this conflict, roughly 60,000 British Servicemen were involved in the conflict, with 2500 wounded.
Commenting on this anniversary, Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It is true that the Korean war is often overlooked when we think of yesterday’s conflicts, but this year we have an important opportunity to remember those that served in this conflict, those that were wounded, and those that paid the ultimate price in service to their nation.
“During this conflict, conditions were tough, battles were tougher, and many British servicemen endured significant ordeals.
“When they arrived home, unlike at the end of the Second World War, there was little fanfare, and even less appreciation for what had been endured by our brave military personnel.
“That is why I am glad that there will be proper commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement – it is important for veterans’ of this conflict, and, of course, their families, to have the opportunity to reflect on their personal sacrifice, and for us, and wider society, to offer them our thanks for their dutiful service to the maintenance of democracy both at home and oversees.”
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