BANFF – Commemorating the heroic acts of veterans and to pay honour to the fallen in the Battle of Gapyeong, a new cenotaph has been unveiled at the Royal Canadian Legion in Banff.
During the unveiling on July 21, seats were full inside the Legion, and a crowd formed of veterans, South Korean citizens, political representatives and family members, among others.
“Banff becomes the bridge to the world to show what sacrifices they have done so that we can travel to visit the beautiful mountains and beautiful countries that we have because these brave people keep our land free and keep other countries free,” said HooJung Jones, president of the Korean War Veterans Advocates of Canada.
The decision to place the cenotaph in Banff was influenced by local and veteran James Santa Lucia, who served the Korean War. Santa Lucia served with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) in 1950-52.
Another reason was due to not only the picturesque location of the mountain town, but also the high amount of foot traffic to spread messages of remembrance.
“That's why we constitute to put it in Banff, because all traffic there and the relationship with James Santa Lucia,” said Jones. “You live in the most beautiful place, and nearly six million tourists visit the Banff Rocky Mountains.”
Last July, Santa Lucia was awarded the Ambassador for Peace medal for his efforts in Korea. He was one of three veterans who was awarded the medal from the Korean government.
Jones has a personal tie to the importance of the monument as her uncle was wounded in the Korean War.
“A thousand words cannot thank them, but at least we can help to build our monuments to carry their legacy,” she said.
In 1950 the 2PPCLI were deployed to Korea while North Korean invaders were pushed back across the border and the war was becoming quieter. However, in spring 1951, China entered the war and the Canadian battalion of 700 soldiers, alongside Australians, held Hill 677 against an estimated 5,000 enemy forces.
The Canadians fought night and day between April 23 and 25, stopping the Chinese from advancing. The efforts of the 2PPCLI and Australia were crucial for the defence of the capital city Seoul.
“They were fighting day and night, nonstop, they let out ammunition and fought by hand, and they kept that hill free from the Chinese until the 1st Cavalry of the United States came,” said Jones.
“The most important thing is thanking the Korean veterans who are there on July 21. They travel all over Canada and drove long distance, and this is about them,” said Jones
The City of Gapyeong, previously known as Kapyong, donated the five-tonne cenotaph made of rock with bronze plaques.
“We want to thank the Gapeyong mayor and their delegates for their time to pay for the monument and shipping it from Korea to Canada that cost nearly $60,000,” said Jones. “We cannot thank them enough for doing that.”
The Korean War Advocates of Canada have erected five monuments, like the one in Banff, in Ancaster, Ont., Burlignton, Ont., Brampton, Ont., Niagara Falls, Ont.
