UK MoD Minister in South Korea for Korean War commemorations
Earl Howe visits Republic of Korea to support Korean War veterans and promote defence relations
To support the annual Korean War veterans revisit programme, Minister for State at the British Ministry of Defence, Earl Howe, arrived in South Korea on 21 April. During his 4 day visit, Earl Howe will attend remembrance ceremonies in Seolma-ri, Busan and Gapyeong and will meet with the Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to discuss commemoration issues.
On arrival in South Korea, Earl Howe said:
It is a privilege to visit the Republic of Korea, which has a long history with the UK, and to meet our brave veterans who fought alongside more than 1,000 UK military personnel who lost their lives in the Korean War. We are strengthening the relationship with the Republic of Korea - a key regional and international partner - and continue to work together for a peaceful, prosperous and secure future in the region and beyond.
53 British veterans and their families and carers will attend this year’s revisit programme. This year personal effects belonging to the late Korean War veteran - Colonel James Power Carne VC DSO - will be donated to the recently opened United Nations Peace Memorial Hall in Busan.
Notes to Editors/Further Information
The Korean War veterans revisit programme takes place annually. It is hosted by the ROK Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The week long programme comprises a range of services and events held at the National Cemetery and War Memorial, Imjin, Gapyeong and Busan and culminates in a Banquet hosted by the Minister MPVA on the last evening. The MPVA generously sponsor many of the veterans to travel to ROK.
The Right Honourable Earl Howe, Minister of State in the House of Lords at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, is the Minister responsible for commemorations, ceremonial duties, medallic recognition, and wider community engagement. He is also the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, and is the government’s spokesman in the House of Lords on all Defence matters.
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for “most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.”
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime.