The Korean War Gapyeong Battle Victory Monument will be installed near the Cenotaph at the Town and Country Centre in July 2023 and was gifted to the city by the Korean War Commemorative Committee (KWCC) and the Calgary Korean Association (CKA).

The monument will commemorate the Battle of Gapyeong, where the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was widely recognized for helping prevent what would have been a costly defeat in the Korean War. The monument will also serve to celebrate the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Canada and Korea.

“It’s important to us that as a community we’re supporting our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices of those who fought in the Korean War,” said Deputy Mayor Heather Spearman. “It’s an honour that Airdrie was chosen as a location for this monument and we’re happy to support this initiative.”

Airdrie City Council approved the project in July 2022, with the location chosen based on recommendations from the KWCC as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #288. Its location near the Cenotaph will allow the monument to be part of future Remembrance Day ceremonies.

“The establishment of the Gapyeong Battle Victory Monument in Airdrie will be a symbol of eternal solidarity and friendship between Canada and Korea, and more importantly, a symbol of appreciation and respect for all the sacrifices made by Canadians who vigorously fought in the Korean War to protect our rights and freedoms,” said Andy Choi, chairman with the KWCC. “As Korean Canadians, we are indebted to our veterans and believe that our duty to remember Canadian soldiers’ efforts, dedication and sacrifices in the Korean War should be carried on forever by generations to come.”

This will be the fifth Gapyeong Monument built in Canada, with monuments currently installed in Langley, Winnipeg, Brampton and Niagara Falls. The stone for each of the monuments is mined and transported from regions in South Korea where key battles were fought during the war and are being provided with support from Gapyeong-County and the Government of South Korea.

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