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 HISTORY OF THE KOREA VETERANS ASSOCIATION (KVA)

21 years after the cease-fire in Korea, a group of Korean War veterans got together and formed a reunion committee, which later developed into the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.  By the end of their first year in 1974, the Association had recruited 77 members; by 1978 another 430.  As the years passed, more and more Korea veterans reached retirement, creating leisure time, and membership peaked - over 60 branches (units) across Canada!

    In February 1984, Unit 27 KVA of Canada was formed in Victoria, British Columbia.  The Charter members were Danny Danyleyko, Ed Hansen, Fred Harris, George Nester, Dean Smith, Doug Smith and Don Worsfold. Comrade Ed Hansen CD was elected as the Unit's first president.

    The Unit 27 Charter Dinner was held at the Holyrood House in Victoria, BC on April 20, 1985.  Among the extensive list of notable attendees were the Korean Consul General and his wife, Mr & Mrs Byung Yong Soh, the late and original Commander, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, Major General JM Rockingham CB, OBE, DSO, ED, CE, LLD, and his wife Mary. "Rocky" as he was affectionately known and remembered, was a life member of the KVA of Canada and Unit 27 proudly carried him on our nominal roll.

     With the attrition of illness and death, memberships, as well as active units, are now dwindling.  Unlike organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion and peacekeeping associations, KVA cannot recruit younger veterans to maintain its numbers.  To extend the life of the KVA to its utmost, the General John M. Rockingham Memorial-Heritage Unit No.1 was formed.  When units no longer have enough members to  function, membership is available in the Heritage Unit for a one-time  fee; it will continue to exist as long as even only one member remains to maintain the tradition.
        KVA Canada is a founding member of the International Federation of Korean War Veterans' Associations and a member of The National Council of Veterans' Associations in Canada.  The KVA successfully lobbied the Federal Government of Canada for the Korea Service Button and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea.  It organizes re-visits to the Republic of Korea, hosted by the Korean Veterans Association of Seoul.  In 1997, the Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance was dedicated in Brampton, Ontario. To assist the youth of our country, a KVA National Student Bursary programme has been established.

     KVA membership is open to anyone who served in Korea or Korean waters in the armed forces of a UN member country (including the Republic of Korea) between June 1950 and December 31 1956.  Members of ancillary units such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Merchant Navy that served UN Forces during the same time period are also eligible for membership.
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KVA Unit 27 Honour Roll
     By remembering Veterans' service and sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. Veterans of the Korean War are everyday Canadians who became heroes by standing up for what we as a nation believe in: peace, freedom, and justice. The resources found on this page can help ensure that the torch of Remembrance continues to burn brightly in the hearts of all Canadians.

Please click on the above image for the Honour Roll of KVA Unit 27 members who have passed, however, shall be remembered.
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The Memory Project
     Read personal accounts of Canadians from across the country of their experiences during the Korean War.   (Please click-on the logo for the site)
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Commemoration of 50th Anniversary Cyprus 1974 War
  • ​Planning has started to commemorate the Cyprus mission, by returning in 2024 for battlefield visits, presentations and personal accounts…with an optional Mediterranean cruise. This trip will complement the 55th Airborne Reunion 2023 and D-Day 80th Anniversary 2024.
  • For older travellers, and at reasonable cost, the tour is aimed at all Airborne veterans – especially those serving or attached with the Regiment (rear party or deployed) in 1974 – plus families, friends and serving jumpers. The goal is to share memories and capture stories to augment the official history.
  • Please click-on the Airborne crest for the .pdf communique for more details! English text follows the French

Korea Veterans Association Unit 27 Presidents:

1984    Ed Hansen
1985    Ed Hansen
1986    Bill Blanchard
1987    Bill Blanchard
1988    R Emmerson
1989    R Emmerson
1990    John Carson
1991    Phil Leigh
1992    Gerry Ratchford
1993    Gerry Emon
1994    Don Worsfold
1995    Len Desjarlais
1996    Len Desjarlais
1997    G MacIntosh
1998    Fred MacDonald
1999    Fred MacDonald
2000    Ray Charron
2001    Ray Charron
2002   John Bishop
2003    John Bishop
2004    Vic Mumford
2005    Vic Mumford
2006    Bob Stewart
2007    Bob Stewart
2008    Vic Mumford
2009    Gary Hall
2010    Gary Hall
2011    Ken Kelbough
2012    Ken Kelbough
2013    Ken Kelbough
2014    Ray Renaud
2015    John Bishop
2016    John Bishop
2017    John Bishop
2018    John Bishop
2019    Ken Kelbough
2020    Ken Kelbough
2021
2022
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The Forgotten War:  A video dedicated to our Amercian Korean Combat Comrades......

Songwriter Mark E. Smith has teamed with soulful singer Terry Lee Tyler to produce the well received welcome home tribute, Welcome to America Again. Several versions of Welcome to America Again has been used to produce picture videos dedicated to veterans of different conflicts.



After launching the video, clicking on the lower right-hand "full-screen square" will give you a larger picture for better viewing!
WHO MAY JOIN THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION?

Membership Eligibility:
  1. Former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served with the United Nations in Korea or in Korean waters between June 1950 and December 1956.
  2. Veterans who served in a military force under the United Nations Command who served in Korea or in Korean waters between June 1950 and December 1956.
  3. Korean Nationals who served in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces during the period June 1950 and December 1956.
  4. Members of Ancillary Units such as, but not limited to, the Red Cross, Merchant Navy, giving support to United Nations Forces in Korea during the period June 1950 and December 1956.
    Korean War veterans who meet the foregoing eligibility requirements are invited to join the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. You will have the opportunity to meet old comrades and make new friends through regular KVA meetings, reunions, conventions and various other social events. Members of KVA have the opportunity to revisit the Republic of Korea on reasonably priced tours organized by the Korea Veterans Association in Seoul. Visiting veterans are presented with the Ambassador for Peace Medal and are treated as honoured guests of that country.