Robert Orrick
Robert Orrick: Canadian Korean War Veterans Not forgotten by Korea
This is the text of the speech given on behalf of all Canadian Korean War veterans, and the forty invited Korean War veterans from the UN member nations that assisted South Korea assembled in Seoul in June 1991.
“Mr. President, officers and distinguished guests of the Korean Veterans Association.
“On behalf of the United Nations member countries who responded to South Korea’s plea for help four decades ago, and whose representatives you have so kindly invited to Seoul to share with you, and your countrymen, ceremonies marking the 41st anniversary of the outbreak of the War in Korea, I proudly take this opportunity to thank you for your kindness and generosity.
“Those of us assembled here today recall the time so many years ago when your country was locked in a bitter, long, horrible, and bloody war against an evil enemy. Many of your cities, towns, and hamlets had suffered severe damage; much of your transportation system had been destroyed by enemy incursions; far too many of your countrymen, including, I suspect, friends and families of our hosts, were lost.
“Twice the Communist hordes struck from the North. Twice your beautiful country was invaded by your enemy. On both occasions, the aggressor was forcefully thrown back north of the 38th Parallel.
“Of the devastation visited upon your land, of the heartbreak endured by your gentle people at the hands of the Communists, this, rather than causing South Korea to bend its knee to the invaders, brought forth a resurgence of will that forged a nation that, today, 41 years later, stands as one of the world’s great economies, far surpassing that of its northern neighbour.
“To many, the stench of long-ago warfare is but a dim memory as South Korea marches along the broad highway of prosperity and prominence.
“Over the years since that peace-shattering sneak attack four decades ago, many of us who fought side by side with your gallant soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, have paused to consider whether or not our time spent fighting Communism under the United Nations banner was appreciated by our host country. Or, indeed, if our efforts were even noticed.
“At the time of the fighting on, over, and around the Korean Peninsula, the world was aware of the struggle being waged for democracy; of the stern test as Right battled Wrong. However, following the cessation of hostilities in July 1953, much of the world’s attention turned to other things: forgotten was the bitter struggle between two ideologies; between Good and Evil.
“For most of us assembled here, we, too, were forgotten. Our governments took little notice of us. Unlike the Persian Gulf War, our respective countries paid little heed to us when we returned to our country’s shores. We were not seen as being veterans of a Just War. We were not seen, just forgotten.
“But, I am very pleased to say, not forgotten by South Korea, not by the government, not by the people, and certainly not by the Korean Veterans Association. For that, we give thanks daily.
“Today, 41 years after the start of the War in Korea, your country is a shining example of a nation’s determination to bring forth a renewed economy. To rebuild from the ground up, to rise from the ashes in the manner of The Phoenix.
“Those of us who are your guests, the representatives of 20 governments from around the world invited to share your moment of celebration, we applaud The Republic of Korea for its magnificence. Despite a bitter war and a world that turned its attention to other areas, South Korea has emerged from its maelstrom, more alive, more beautiful, and more wonderful than before, in a manner emulating the mythical Phoenix Bird.
“Those of us who have not set foot on Korean soil since our departure so many years ago are amazed at the re-structuring of your country. The Han River bridges now number more than 20. There was a time when none withstood the constant bombardment of friend and foe alike. Truly, you and your countrymen are to be congratulated for achieving so much in what is, in reality, a rather short period in history.
“The Republic of Korea stands near the top of any measurement when determining industrial output. It is among the leading nations of the free world.
“As a Canadian I am proud of the excellent trade agreements between your country and mine. I am sure I express the sentiments of all my fellow veterans from the various countries whose nations today enjoy a most vigorous and prosperous trade relationship with the Republic of Korea.
“Forty-one years ago thousands upon thousands of young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines laid down their lives in defence of the Principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Today, we honour their memory. As veterans, we know the horrors of war; we realize the futility of armed conquest. But, also, we understand that when any country, regardless of geographic location, is attacked by a neighbour, and calls out for help, it is our sworn duty to respond as quickly and as forcefully as humanly possible. In June 1950, you called for help. Our countries responded: we came.
“The toll in human lives during the War in Korea was tremendous. Much of the land was rendered useless. Half of the industrial might of Korea was destroyed. Far too many of Korea’s citizens were homeless, their houses having paid the price of being in the path of an advancing war.
“Today, as we gather in comradeship, we think back to those long-ago days and nights. We recall the voices of our former comrades, their laughter, their cries of anguish, their sobs upon learning of death of another of our number. Also, we think back to the gentle people of The Land of the Morning Calm who greeted us upon our arrival; who shared with us their sad and joyous moments; who encouraged us, who believed in us, and who never deserted us. We remember.
“And so it is, Mr. President, that as we are gathered here today in memory of a brief moment in the long passage of world history, we recall those days when we assembled at another time and together turned back the Communist invaders. Arm in arm we fought the common enemy. Arm in arm we remember victory.
“Our futures, yours and ours, are entwined forever as we go forward into our sunsets, glorious and proud.
“On behalf of all assembled here today, I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to speak to you on this grand occasion.
“Sir, we wish you, and the Korean Veterans Association, all the very best for the coming years.
“Respectfully,
Robert (Bob) ORRICK, CD
National Public Information Officer
Korea Veterans Association of Canada, Inc.
Speech given to General SO, president of Korea Veterans Association, Seoul, Korea on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War.
Related Material:
They Fought Valiantly for Their Country’s Survival by Robert Orrick (PDF)