CHAPTER 105, CENTRAL NEW YORK During a conversation with Les Peate, National President of the Canadian
Korean Veterans Association, Bill Burns, KWVA liaison to the Canadians was invited to lay a wreath at the
Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa on 26 June 2005. This was preceded by a ceremony at the Canadian
Korean Veterans Association memorial to their 516 dead a short distance away.
Garry Rockburn, a Korean veteran of the RCAF and the US Army, a native of Ottawa, now residing in the US
and newly minted second vice president of Chapter 105 agreed to be a co-presenter at the ceremony. Several
members of the chapter and some wives traveled to Ottawa to attend. Members included John Barwinczok,
National Director Jim Ferris, Ed Grala and Tom Kelly.
An impressive ceremony was highlighted by a march by the ceremonial troops of the guard company at
Parliament Hill, Canadian Army Band, and an inspection in ranks of Korean War Veterans by Ambassador Yim
Sung-joon, ROK and Canada's top General, General Hillier, Chief of the General Staff.
Each nation that participated in Korea laid a wreath at the National War Memorial through representatives
of their respective embassies. The KWVA, Canadian KWV and Royal Canadian Legion presented their tributes
along with the national tributes.
Following the ceremony participants attended a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
Bill Burns LC 00215
KWVA Liaison to Canadian KVA
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