Canadian Korean War Memorial Garden at Gapyeong, South Korea, picture from Veterans Affairs Canada

The Korean War armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. Since 2013, Canada has officially observed this date as Korean War Veterans Day, honouring the 26,791 Canadians who served—including 516 who died—and peacekeepers post-armistice. After WWI and WWII, Korea remains Canada's third-bloodiest overseas conflict. The war's origins were complex, stemming from decades of Japanese colonial rule, the post-WWII division of Korea by Allied powers, and intense internal political struggles. Pre-existing civil conflict and desires for reunification, exacerbated by foreign intervention, contributed significantly to the full-scale war in 1950. Chinese Canadians also served in this conflict, building on a legacy of military involvement. This annual commemoration, while honouring veterans, also prompts reflection on these multifaceted beginnings. It affirms Canada's commitment to democracy, peace, and human rights—ideals notably opposed by North Korea and its allies. For all Canadians, including Chinese Canadians, participation in such remembrance is a vital way to demonstrate adherence to these core Canadian values. It educates younger generations on sacrifices for democracy, the courage to stand against injustice, and the importance of active citizenship. It's also a historical reminder that the Korean War marked the only time Canada and the People's Republic of China faced each other in direct, de facto combat, adding layers to the remembrance for some.