National commemorative service for the 75th Anniversary of Australian Service in the Korean War

KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL, CANBERRA 

Good morning.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respect to Elders past and present.

I also acknowledge all those who have served, or continue to serve our nation in uniform, and the families who support them.

Her Excellency the Governor General of Australia, Ms Sam Mostyn AC

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Admiral Seungseob Sim, (Ret)

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Her Excellency Ms Betty Pavelich

Representatives of countries who participated in the Korean conflict

My Parliamentary colleague Darren Chester, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Today, we gather to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War, and the service and sacrifice of the more than 18,000 Australians who served in Korea and Japan during the war and post-armistice operations.

The war began on this day in 1950 when communist North Korea launched an invasion of South Korea.

It was less than five years after the end of the Second World War, yet Australia moved quickly to stand up for South Korea’s sovereignty, as the second nation to commit personnel from all three services.

Our Navy, Army and Air Force did Australia proud fighting in extreme climatic conditions and exceptionally difficult terrain. As did those who supported them, delivering outstanding service in challenging circumstances.

And they quickly established themselves and Australia as a steadfast and reliable partner for the Republic of Korea, as well as the 22 other countries that supported South Korea, including the United States.

Sergeant Reg Bandy was a soldier from the Wheatbelt in Western Australia who served with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in the critical Battle of Kapyong. He recalled: ‘..they gave 3 Battalion the nickname of Old Faithful, because any time they got stuck they called for us.

Our nurses also distinguished themselves working from makeshift hospitals — some in Japan — to treat anything from bullet and shrapnel wounds to frostbite and severe burns.

Colonel Nell Espie was one of them. She said that bombing raids over South Korea took place almost every night, but she felt safe, ‘as long as I could see a digger's hat’.

While direct conflict ended with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953, Australian forces remained in South Korea until the United Nations Command was satisfied the ceasefire would hold. The last troops returned home in 1957.

Australia remains a member of the United Nations Command and continues to provide personnel to help maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Despite ongoing tensions and the fact no peace treaty has ever been realised, South Korea has flourished.

Thus, underscoring the importance of enduring cease fire arrangements, and the need for eternal vigilance.

In 2023, I had the privilege of travelling to Korea to participate in commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice.

I was fortunate to be accompanied by eight Australians who served in the Korean War as well as some of their family members.

The veterans told me of the pride they felt for the country South Korea has become.

In stark contrast to the place they left in the 1950s, South Korea is now a prosperous and thriving democracy.

Today South Korea is an economic powerhouse, with the 13th largest economy in the world.

I also witnessed first-hand how grateful the South Koreans remain to our veterans for defending their country in its time of need.

The bond that was forged between our two countries in war remains strong 75 years on.

Today Australia and South Korea are Comprehensive Strategic Partners with a strong bilateral relationship underpinned by shared strategic interests, complementary economies and strong people-to-people links. We are proud to continue to stand together as trusted Indo-Pacific partners.

The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war.

To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say — we remember.

As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.

We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour.

We honour your mates who never came home and the heartache of their families who continue to mourn 75 years on.

We remember those who remain missing and the burden their family members have carried never knowing their fate.

During the war, 340 Australians lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded in Korea. Another 16 died in post-armistice operations and 11 died in Japan supporting Korea operations.

Thirty Australians were taken prisoner and 43 were listed as missing in action.

We acknowledge the many who returned with scars seen and unseen, and those who are no longer with us.

We thank all Australian veterans of the Korean War for the reputation you built and upheld for Australia on the world stage.

And we are grateful to all those who have served in the years since, with Australian personnel still stationed in the Joint Security Area of the demilitarised zone performing a vital role to support the maintenance of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.

We are so very proud of the part you have all played, in the birth of a democratic nation, and the contribution you have made to modern-day South Korea.

And as a nation we will continue to ensure that your service and sacrifice — and that of your mates — is always remembered and shared with generations to come.

Lest we forget.

END

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