Compiled by Archbishop Dr. Peter McInnes, AICA Primate, RSL Chaplain, www.aicaustralia.com

On June 25, 1950, without warning North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel and captured the South Korea Capital, Seoul. In the closing stages of WWII, USSR entered the Pacific War and moved its troops down the Korean peninsula. USA, concerned about these actions, moved northwards to the 38th Parallel, where both nations agreed not to pass. This was divided into the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the North and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the South. On 25 June 1950 DPRK (North) invaded ROK (South). The ROK appealed to the UN for help on 26 June 1950 and on 27 June help was authorised. Police Action, MASH comment, Sea-world, Anarchy-Iraq, welcome Police present.

The UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg (smallest combat unit), France, Greece, Turkey, Ethiopia, Thailand, South Africa, Philippines, Australia (relatively small population, meaningful and significant contribution), New Zealand, Canada, Columbia and USA committed combat forces to help ROK. Australia supported this war by the RAAF from 2 July 1950 with Mustangs to escort US C-47 planes bringing back wounded, the RAN from 7 July 1950 to assist with blockades of the West coast of Korea by HMAS Shoalhaven, the 3 RAR’s from 27 September 1950 where 3 RAR embarked on the Aiken Victory for Southern Korean port of Pusan. Throughout the 3 year war, the three branches of the ADF were supported by a variety of units based in Japan.

For most who served in the Korean War, the memories remain vivid. All were affected by their experiences, which in turn influenced their lives in varying ways. Australian casualties were 339 KIA or died of wounds, 1 216 wounded and survived, 29 POW’s. Thousands were injured or became ill from a variety of causes, there after. Combat operations ceased on 27 July 1953, when an Armed Truce Agreement was signed at Panmunjom. Three years and one month after the tragic war was started, a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established in the almost identical position where the war started, the 38th Parallel.

Today the Guns are silent. We have experienced sacrifice and victory. There is no going back to the past, we must go forward and contribute to the future in a positive manner. Let us make the future better than our past. Today we remember those whom sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. Let us live in a way to honour their sacrifice for us.

Let us pray

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks to you today for the peace and security we enjoy. We remember those who in time of war faithfully served our country. We pray for the families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a precious cost. We thank you for the peace that can only come from You and the reassurance of your love for us as individuals. Make us a people zealous for peace, hasten the day when nation shall not lift up sword against another nation.This we pray in the name of the one who gave His life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. AMEN.