IN PICTURES: Commemorating 70 years of the Korean War ceasefire in Albany

Known as the forgotten War, Korea is anything but to the people of Albany with more than 80 people attending the 2024 annual Korean War service held at St John’s Church and York Street War Memorial. The 70th anniversary of the signing of the ceasefire on the Korean Peninsula was commemorated in Perth last year with the unveiling of a memorial with the names of all West Australians who served in Korea, including Ken Morrison of the Albany RSL. This has brought a renewed awareness of Australia’s role in the Korean War which was part of the United Nations force deployed to stop the North Korean Communist forces, backed by Chinese forces, invading and capturing the peaceful south of the Korean Peninsula. On a sunny afternoon on July 27, Mr Morrison and his fellow Albany RSL Korean War veteran Ivan Tilney — who served with the British Army in Korea — were the centre of attraction at the service. They were joined by war widow Valerie Taylor whose husband also served in Korea. In addition, recognition was also paid to Pte John Atkinson of Albany who was killed in the Battle of Kapyong on April 24, 1951. The keynote speaker, Lt Chris Cho, a member of the Australian Army and of Korean origin, again provided the official address and focused on the Korean War and issues that currently confront Australia and other peaceful nations. His address was heartfelt, factual and focused both on issues of the Korean War and issues that confront Australia and other peaceful nations currently. The City of Albany Band, soloist Dione Nesbitt, and a strong contingent of cadets supported the service, adding a vital element to the event. During the service, I drew comparisons between the Invasion of South Korea in the 1950s by communist regime forces and the attempted invasion of South Vietnam in the 1960s by communist North Vietnam. Australian involvement in Vietnam will be remembered in a commemorative service on August 18. Michael Tugwell is service director for the Albany RSL