Hon Michael Woodhouse

Minister of Veterans’ Affairs

28 July 2013       Media Statement

Veterans’ delegation commemorates 60th Anniversary of Korean War Armistice

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse today joins Prime Minister John Key and 30 veterans at a New Zealand ceremony in Busan, Korea, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Mr Woodhouse said the ceremony was a fitting recognition of the veterans’ service.

“It is an incredibly moving and emotional experience for our veterans and I am honoured to join them here in Korea to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Whether serving on land or sea, New Zealanders made a huge contribution to the Korean War and today we remember those who fought and died there in service to their country.

“Today’s ceremony recognises the service and sacrifice of those who fell in Korea, as well as those who remain today.

“For many of our veterans, this is their first trip back to Korea since serving here all those years ago.

“It is a privilege for me to stand alongside our veterans of the Korean War and pay tribute to them, and to their comrades who fought bravely for New Zealand.”

While in Korea, the delegation have also attended ceremonies held at the Republic of Korea National Cemetery, Seoul, an Anzac commemorative service held at the Kapyong Memorial, and a combined Service of Remembrance in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery Busan.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

New Court Orders, Screening, Guardianship Changes...: Government Ignoring Poverty, Again

It remains to be seen if announcements today will better protect children, but the National Government is forgoing an opportunity to really help kids by ignoring the elephant in the room, which is poverty, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei says.

"All the experts have told the Government that very low income is associated with higher rates of child maltreatment and neglect -- something which was totally ignored in the Government's Children's Action Plan and the announcements today," Mrs Turei said. More>>