On Saturday, July 8, The City of Airdrie will be unveiling the Gapyeong War monument, which was gifted to the city by the Korean War Commemorative Committee (KWCC) and the Calgary Korean Association (CKA), will be situated at the Cenotaph.

The unveiling ceremony in July will include dignitaries attending from Korea, Canada, and Alberta, as well as 300 other guests, delegates and politicians, which will also be attending. More details about the event are expected to be released closer to the event date. 

As part of the celebrations leading up to the unveiling, City Council was asked by Calgary Korean Community Association to also fly two flags in Airdrie leading up to the Gapyeong War monument event. During a city council meeting on Monday, council agreed to fly two Gapyeong flags between July 6 and July 9. Council agreed to a flag at City Hall, and another at the Cenotaph. Council also agreed to illuminate City Hall on July 7 Light in blue and red on the eve of the unveiling. 

According to The City, 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,” Councillor Heather Spearman previously said. "It’s an honour that Airdrie was chosen as a location for this monument and we’re happy to support this initiative."

Andy Choi, chairman of the KWCC, previously underlined that the establishment of the Gapyeong Battle Victory Monument in Airdrie will be a symbol of eternal solidarity and friendship between Canada and Korea.

"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."

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.

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.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com