The Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Leo Davies CSC, today delivered the prologue and laid a wreath to commemorate fallen Australians during the Korean War. 

AVM Davies is part of an Australian delegation with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon and 15 Australian veterans of the Korean War, including a nurse, in Koreato recognise the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice which marked the end of fighting on the Korean Peninsula. 

“It is an honour to recognise the commitment, courage and endurance of our fallen, and to meet veterans of the Korean War,” AVM Davies said. 

“Our veterans know the hardships, the horrors and the perils of the Korean War far better than I can possibly imagine.  It was an honour to attend this commemoration with them today. 

“In dark times, Australian and New Zealand service men and women on operations today, can look to your example and be inspired by those achievements. There were 18,000 Australians who served in Korea, of whom 340 made the ultimate sacrifice. 

“The endurance and feats against tremendous odds will forever form a part of the Anzac story,” AVM Davies said. 

“This is our heritage. It is a humbling experience to meet the veterans and have the opportunity to share some of their reflections during the commemorative program.” 

AVM Davies is representing the Australian Defence Force as part of an Australian Delegation. The Australian delegation will be joined by Australia’s Federation Guard to provide ceremonial support, supported by a Bugler from the Royal Military College Band and an Army Chaplain.

The Australian delegation will join veterans from South Korea, and former allies from countries including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand for several commemorative ceremonies.

Imagery will be available on the Defence website: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20130881 and DVA gallery: ttp://www.flickr.com/photos/dvaaus/

Media contacts:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Defence (inSouth Korea) - LTCOL Graeme Henley +61 (0) 417 049 055