[Burnaby = HanaTV Special Reporting Team] On July 25 at 11:00 AM, the wreath-laying ceremony for the 2026 Korean War Veterans Day was held in a solemn…
[Burnaby = HanaTV Special Reporting Team] On July 25 at 11:00 AM, the wreath-laying ceremony for the 2026 Korean War Veterans Day was held in a solemn atmosphere at the Ambassador of Peace Korean War Memorial located in Central Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. HanaTV reporters visited the site in person to pay tribute to the noble sacrifices of the veterans and closely covered this historic moment involving the next generation of youth.
The event was graced by the presence of a large number of dignitaries, including Canadian Senator Yonah Martin, Deputy Consul General Jang Young-jae of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver, bereaved families of war veterans, key figures from the Korean community, and local residents.
The program of events was conducted with deep gratitude for the war veterans and the steadfast friendship between the two nations. Beginning with the singing of the national anthem, the program continued with remarks from Senator Yonah Martin, Deputy Consul General Jang Young-jae, and Korean Veterans Association President Jang Min-woo. In her remarks, Senator Yonah Martin emphasized, "The freedom and peace we enjoy today are built upon the noble sacrifices and dedication of our veterans," adding, "It is our natural duty and responsibility to not forget their legacy and to pass it on to the next generation." Deputy Consul General Jang Young-jae also conveyed his deep gratitude and respect to the veterans and their families, stating, "The courage of the Korean War veterans is the strongest root of the relationship between Korea and Canada."
Following this, a moment of silence accompanied by the recitation of a memorial poem, a tribute performance by a trumpeter, and a majestic bagpipe performance by a piper resonated through the hall, moving the hearts of the attendees to solemnity. Soprano Bang Jang-hyun’s resonant performance and the Vancouver Choir’s harmonious hymn performance further enhanced the grandeur of the wreath-laying ceremony. Subsequently, the "Ambassador of Peace Medal Award Ceremony," which physically honors the dedication of the war veterans, was held alongside the wreath-laying by the attendees, adding profound significance to the event.
In particular, this event garnered significant attention for hosting a "History and Culture Experience" program that went beyond simple remembrance, with the next generation of youth actively participating. Through this experience, which involved the KCYAS (Korea-Canada Youth Association), the Evergreen Youth Association, and the HanaTV Youth Reporter Corps, the youth reflected on the historical significance of the Korean War, interacted directly with war veterans, and experienced the vivid sites of history.
A youth who participated in the event shared their thoughts, saying, "Experiencing history firsthand in front of the war monument, which I had only seen in textbooks, and listening to the stories of the veteran elders made me realize the preciousness of peace even more."
The HanaTV reporting team stated, "This wreath-laying ceremony was a meaningful occasion where the Past (sacrifice of the past), the Present (gratitude of the present), and the Future (succession by future generations) came together as one," adding, "We will continue to actively shed light on the precious history of the Korean community and the activities of the next generation."
The event concluded successfully with closing remarks in which all attendees pledged for a future of peace and prosperity.
Reporter Kuk Jung-seok
