The United Nations Memorial Cemetery located in Busan, South Korea dedicated to the 22 UN nations whom participated in a combat or medical capacity during the Korean War, which lasted between June 25th, 1950 to July 27, 1953 is the only United Nations graveyard in the world.
Preserved with memory in this unique resting ground are the burials of 2,297 brave lives lost from 11 nations.
The 16 combat forces deployed from United Nations countries include:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, The Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
While the 6 UN nations whom provided medical assistance include:
Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Norway and Sweden.
Upon entrance at this site, the guards promptly asked from where you are visiting and recorded your input. Despite covid-19 increasingly prevailing at this time, there were still visitors local and international paying their respects.
The breakdown of lives interred on the grounds are as follows:
Australia — 281, Canada — 378, France — 44, Netherlands — 117, New Zealand — 32, Norway — 1, Korea — 36, South Africa — 11, Turkey — 462
United Kingdom — 884, United States — 36, Unknown — 4 and others — 11, totaling 2,297 bodies.
The above bronze statue titled The Monument to Canadian Fallen was designed by Vincent R. Courtenay, a Canadian veteran and fashioned by Korean artist Yoo Young Mun. It was dedicated by the Canadian Veterans Korean War Commemoration Committee 19 years ago today.
Outside of the both World Wars, the Korean War represents Canada’s largest participation in combat times.
As translated on the sign positioned in front of this monument reads the following message:
“The serviceman depicted is hatless eliminating the need for service or unit designation. It projects an air of individuality and informality, which are recognized traits among Canadians. The bouquets of two national flowers, 21 maple leaves and roses of Sharon, held by young girl and boy, symbolize 21 Canadians who fell and have no known graves”
Lest We Forget.
