Today was a special day for the City of Airdrie, Canada and South Korea as the Battle of Gapyeong Victory Monument now sits at the Cenotaph at the Town and Country Centre.

The monument honours Veterans of the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment who took part in the battle from April 22-25 1951, that helped save Seoul (capital of South Korea) during the Korean War. The monument will also serve to celebrate the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Canada and Korea.

MonumentPhoto of the monument.

The event saw speeches from Korean delegates, members of the provincial government and Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown.

"Over 25,000 Canadians [were] fighting for democracy and peace, 516 lost their lives in battle with many wounded. Recognizing that there were countless Korean deaths, disappearances captures and wounded in their homeland. It's imperative that we honour and remember those sacrifices today."

Mike Ellis, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services was also in attendance on behalf of the provincial government and said a few words.

"The Gapyeong victory monument will serve as a testament to the courage and bravery of past and present military Canadians who have always been willing to support and be there for ally partners."

Korean War Commemorative Committee (KWCC) and the Calgary Korean Association (CKA) played a pivotal role in the facilitation of this donation. The unveiling ceremony for the monument was attended by dignitaries from Korea, as well as close to 300 other guests, delegates and politicians.

“It is a proud moment to witness the unveiling of the Korean War Battle of Gapyeong Victory Monument in Airdrie which stands as an emblem of unwavering solidarity and friendship between Canada and Korea. We hope this serves as a profound expression of gratitude and reverence for the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers who valiantly fought in the Korean War," stated Andy Choi, Chairman of the KWCC.

Airdrie City Council approved the project in July 2022, with the location chosen based on recommendations from the KWCC as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #288. Its location near the Cenotaph will allow the monument to be part of future Remembrance Day ceremonies.

This will be the fifth Gapyeong Monument built in Canada, with monuments currently installed in Langley, Winnipeg, Brampton and Niagara Falls. The stone for each of the monuments is mined and transported from regions in South Korea where key battles were fought during the war and are being provided with support from Gapyeong-County and the Government of South Korea.

The Korean War Gapyeong Battle Victory Monument in Airdrie weighs approximately 11.5 tons and stands 2.8 metres tall and 2.2 metres wide.

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