About 200 people from across Australia and the world attended the Korean Memorial Dedication Ceremony at Victory Memorial Gardens to remember those who fought in what has often been referred to as the “Forgotten War”.
Wagga’s surviving Korean War veterans – Harry Edmonds, Alan Evans and Catherine Thompson – were present at the ceremony and each said it meant more than words could describe.
“It means everything, it’s been so long,” said Mr Edmonds who had campaigned for years to have the memorial established.
“We’ve got somewhere to go and remember now.”
The feeling was shared by Alan Evans who said it was a historic day.
The boys that are missing have now got a home,” he said with a tear in his eye.
Minister and deputy head of mission embassy of the republic of Korea Wahn-Seong Jeong spoke of how he hoped all the Australian soldiers who lost their lives were looking down from heaven at the amazing change they had caused in Korea.
“Korea is humbled to think of the sacrifice,” he said.
Major General George Ball (retired) provided the keynote address at the ceremony and took the audience back to the war, recounting the tragic and brave history of Australian involvement. The prayer of remembrance was said by chaplain David Harding. “Grant them rest,” he said.
“And grant us who remain the spirit of service which may make us worthy of their sacrifice.”
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