27 June, 2007
Servicemen and women who died during the Korean War were remembered at a wreath laying ceremony in Wellington on Monday. The ceremony marked the 57th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War and was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial.
Among the dignitaries present were the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Joon-gyu Lee, and Mr Forbes Taylor, President of the New Zealand Korea Veterans Association.
Ambassador Lee paid his respects and acknowledged the Unknown Warrior with a head bow. Full ceremonial order was followed, including the tolling of the Peace Bell six times, the laying of wreaths and the haunting notes of The Last Post played by a bugler.
All at the ceremony joined in voicing, “we will remember them.”
ENDS
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Photo Caption: Full ceremonial honours were the order of the day remembering those who served in the Korean War. Centre, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Joon-gyu Lee, bows in respect to the Unknown Warrior. Left, is Darryl Stevens, Visits and Ceremonial Office and right, Forbes Taylor (Christchurch) President of the New Zealand Korea Veterans Association.
Background
New Zealand’s original force comprised Headquarters Kay force, 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, a signals troop, a light aid detachment, a transport platoon, and a small reinforcement training unit. The total strength being 70 officers and 974 other ranks.A total of 3794 soldiers served in Kayforce during the war. 33 died on active service, 79 were wounded and one was taken prisoner by the North Koreans.