KOREA VETERANS' CAIRN

MANITOBA REMEMBERS ITS KOREA VETERANS

The Cairn was dedicated on 13 September 1998. The project was created through the efforts of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, Manitoba Keystone Unit # 17.

Over the past years, many communities have added a plaque to their memorials with the inscription "Korea 1950-53". This is very commendable. The sad part is that there was no "one place" where the public could go to view the names of those who gave their lives in Korea.

Once the idea of the Cairn was approved, the location had to be selected. It was decided that Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg, would be the Ideal location as many Korea Veterans are buried there. The plan to place the memorial in the largest military cemetery in Canada was born. The site was selected by Norm

Van Tassel, Len Johansson, Ken Stein, Rick Thain from the City of Winnipeg and Wayne Larsen CM of Larsen's Memorials. A committee was set up with Norm Van Tassel as chairman, Graham Dixon, Len Johansson, and Michael Nicholson to work on fund raising. The goal was to have it completed in time for the Korea Veterans Association National Convention held in Winnipeg, September 11-13, 1998. With the hard work of the committee, most of the funding was in place by May 1998. The land was donated by the City of Winnipeg with all levels of government assisting in funding a percentage of the cost.

The Cairn is inscribed with the names of those from Manitoba who lost their lives in Korea from 1950-55. On the reverse side of the Cairn are the names of those who left Camp Shilo enroute to Korea, via Seattle, Washington and who died in the Canoe River train accident on 21 November 1950.

We are proud to acknowledge that the Province of Manitoba has named lakes, islands, bays, and other geographical features after those Manitobans whose names appear on the Cairn. Special Commemorative Name Certificates will be presented to the families during this dedication ceremony.

This uniquely designed Cairn was fabricated and erected by Larsen's Memorials of Winnipeg and made of Canadian grey granite matching the individual memorials of our fallen comrades who rest in the Field of Honour, Brookside Cemetery.

We now have a focal point where all Korean War Veterans, their spouses and families may pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice.

1950-53-55

"WE WILL REMEMBER THEM"