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Metro Vancouver Korean War veterans invited to special event

A Metro Vancouver military historian is putting the call out for veterans of the Korean War. Guy Black is working to organize a special event for Korean War veterans and their families. On Jan.
guy black
Military historian Guy Black is organizing a special event in Vancouver Jan. 15 for veterans of the Korean War and their families. File photo Tri-City News

A Metro Vancouver military historian is putting the call out for veterans of the Korean War.

Guy Black is working to organize a special event for Korean War veterans and their families. On Jan. 15 students of Pukyong National University from Busan, South Korea will be in Vancouver to show their appreciation to the people who brought peace to their country in 1953.

“They have said their message is one of gratitude and everlasting thanks and appreciation for the great hardships endured and countless sacrifices made by our veterans,” Black said.

Black first met the students in the spring when he was on a trip to Korea. He and a friend were visiting a monument in the United Nations cemetery in Busan honouring Canadian soldiers who died in the Korean War where the students were taking part in a special ceremony.

“They told me that every year in January they travel to a different country to meet and thank Korea War veterans and because I met them in June they said ‘OK, we’re going to come to Canada,’” Black said.

This will be the group’s first trip to Canada. Black said the students will spend three days here before heading south for events in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The local event will include performances with traditional costumes, dances and songs, as well as Korean food and drinks, as well as a video presentation.

“It’s going to be a nice Korean experience,” Black said.

He added that the students will have gifts for all the veterans, or the families of deceased veterans. As well, Black said, he is working to arrange for any veterans that attend to receive an Ambassador of Peace medal — a medal the Korean government has been giving out to Korean War veterans.

The event takes place at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Armoury (1650 Burrard St.).

Any Korean War veteran, or family of a veteran, who wants to attend must RSVP by Jan. 10 by emailing Korea19501953@yahoo.com or calling 778-887-4402.

@JessicaEKerr