While paying tribute to Canada’s Korean War veterans, Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney held up a copy of Legion Magazine’s special edition, Korea: The Forgotten War, as an example of what independent publishers can do to commemorate Canada’s role in the war.

Several Korean War veterans attended the news conference at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum announcing 2013 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korea Armistice Agreement. The minister was also joined by Senator Yonah Martin, Tom Eagles, chairman of the magazine’s board of directors, Legion Dominion Secretary Brad White, Legion Magazine General Manager Jennifer Morse and representatives of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

More than 26,790 Canadians served in the Korean War, and the names of 516 Canadian war dead are inscribed in the Korea Book of Remembrance located in the Memorial Chamber on Parliament Hill. Another 7,000 Canadians served in the theatre following the ceasefire.

Korean War veterans from across Canada held up copies of the magazine’s special edition after thumbing through pages of rarely-seen photos taken during the war. The 100-page publication, which includes colourful maps, important statistics and a timeline, presents a detailed narrative written by award-winning author and historian David J. Bercuson. It is available on newsstands across the country.