NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody—Coquitlam) joined with Korean-Canadians on April 21 to commemorate the Battle at the Gapyeong Stone Korean War Memorial in Langley.

“This year marks the 72nd of the Battle of Gapyeong regarded as the most important fought by the Canadian Armed Forces since WWII,” said Zarrillo. “The stone of the Memorial came from Gapyeong, South Korea and is a reminder of the bravery of those who fought, as well as their commitment to upholding freedom and democracy.”

In the battle, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand troops, supported by some US tank forces, blocked the Chinese advancements toward Seoul, South Korea’s capital. The anniversary event brings together Royal Canadian Legion members, Korean-Canadian veterans, and local high school students.

“The efforts of those who created this monument, to keep the memory of this battle alive and to educate the next generation on the sacrifices made during the Korean War, are an inspiration to all of us. There is an eternal friendship between Canada and South Korea that must be celebrated. I thank all the veterans of the Korean war and commemorate the more than 26,000 Canadians who served,” said Zarrillo.