The Battle of Gapyeong (aka Kapyong) Memorial Ceremony was held on April 21 at Derek Doubleday Arboretum in Langley where the Gapyeong Stone is standing. It marked the 72nd Anniversary of Gapyeong battle and 5th one held in Langley. Even with unstable weather, about 110 attendees including 8 Korean War vets, elected officials, leaders form Korean and local communities, and 25 students of 20th Century World History class from Langley Secondary School.
By DESIBUZZCanada Staff
LANGLEY – The Battle of Gapyeong (aka Kapyong) Memorial Ceremony was held on April 21 at Derek Doubleday Arboretum in Langley where the Gapyeong Stone is standing.
It marked the 72nd Anniversary of Gapyeong battle and 5th one held in Langley. Even with unstable weather, about 110 attendees including 8 Korean War vets, elected officials, leaders form Korean and local communities, and 25 students of 20th Century World History class from Langley Secondary School.
Opening Drum by Shinmyung (Korean word means Joy ) and special dedication performance “Arirang and Amazing Grace” by Musical Friends “Jam” cosots of 4 secondary students.
Shaun Francis from PPCLI read the history of Gapyeong Battle, Greeting from Mayor of Gapyeong County, Taewon Suh read by Michael Chang, the organizer and president of Korean Veterans Association. Commemorative speeches by Korean Consul General, MPs and MLAs, and Gapyeong Honor Roll (Canadian soldier who was killed in the Battle ) was prepared by Doug Hadley. Also there was a special announcement of unveiling the Korean War Memorial Garden by ABSL (Arboretum and Botanical Society of Langley).
The organizer Michael Chang told this is a very special and meaningful ceremony commemorating the Battle of Gapyeong which was considered as the most famous battle fought by the Canadian Army during the Korean War, one of the best in Canadian military history.
He also emphasizes that through this event he wants to make sure to focus on honoring Korean War veterans. Their average age is 92 years old and wants to give proper recognition and respect they deserve. Mr. Kim, the president of Korean War Veterans Association, said this is the best Korean War Ceremony he participated in and wants to thank everyone who came to the ceremony.
