Although this is not part of Brookside Cemetery, The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan is a beautiful memorial to those soldiers from the 16 nations who fought and died in the defence of South Korea. The Canadian section of the cemetery includes it's own bronze statue of a soldier assisting two young Korean children (a twin statue resides in Ottawa). 378 Canadian soldiers are buried here. Canadian-born Leo Demay, whose own father is buried on the grounds, is the current cemetery director.
KOREA VETERANS' CAIRN
Raising money for the project was handled by Norm Van Tassel and assisted by his committee of the 1998 KVA Convention, Graham Dixon, Len Johansson, and Michael Nicholson. All levels of government also assisted in funding a percentage of the cost. It is in memory of those Manitobans killed in Korea as well as the names of the Gunners killed in the train wreck at Canoe River in route to Korea via Seattle Washington.
The Cairn was designed by Norm Van Tassel and Wayne Larsen. It was then fabricated of Canadian grey granite and erected by Larsen’s Memorials of Winnipeg. The granite used in the Cairn matches the individual memorials of Korean War veterans who rest in the Field of Honour, Brookside Cemetery.
As an additional honour to the fallen, the Province of Manitoba has named lakes, islands, bays, and other geographical features after those whose names appear on the Cairn. Special Commemorative Name Certificates were presented to the families during the 1998 dedication ceremonies
The Cairn was dedicated on 13 September 1998. The projected was created through the efforts of the Korea Veterans Association Unit # 17.
Over the years, many communities have added a plaque to their memorials with the inscription Korea 1950-53. This was very commendable. The sad part was 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 a committee of Norm Van Tassel, (Chairman), 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 National convention to be held in Winnipeg September 11 to 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. As well as funds donated by members and National KVA.
The Cairn was inscribed with the names of those from Manitoba who lost their lives in Korea from 1950 – 53 – 55. On the reverse side of the Cairn are the names of those who left Camp Shilo en route to Korea via Seattle, Washington and who died in the Canoe River Train accident on the 21 November 1950. There were 17 soldiers that lost their lives in that accident.
We are proud to acknowledge that the Province of Manitoba has named lakes, Islands, Bays and other geographical features after those Manitobans who names appear on the Cairn. Special Commemorative Name Certificates were presented to the families during this dedication ceremony by the Local MLA Gerry Mcalpine.
This uniquely designed Cairn was fabricated and erected by Larsen’s Memorials of Winnipeg, Manitoba and made of Canadian gray granite matching the individual memorials of our deceased comrades who rest in the field of Honour at Brookside Cemetery.
We now have a focal point where all Korea War Veterans, their spouses and families may pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice.
With courage and with vigor
They trained and went to war
And shielded us from danger
On the South Korean shores
They gave their lives for freedom
That we all share today
In a far-off foreign country
Where most of their bodies lay
THE CANOE RIVER TRAIN WRECK
By Cpl. L. Eadie
Far in the Canadian Rockies
One cold November's day,
Two passenger trains collided
While rolling an their way.
One rolling to the Pacific;
One to the Prairies wide,
And no one thought this journey
Would be their fatal ride.
The fireman had a signal
To stop that westbound train:
He thought the man just waving,..
And the signal was in vain
The Westbound was a trooper,
The Flyer rolling east:
When this disaster happened
All thoughts of Joy did cease.
There were soldiers bound for Korea
Who gave their lives that day,
For them and all their loved ones
This day we'll kneel and pray
Seventeen soldiers will be honoured
As In some foreign land.
They died for King and Country,
While going to make their stand.
This day will live forever,
In some dear loved ones heart.
Time will help to ease the pain
But in dreams they'll never part
GNR ATCHISON, A.J
GNR BARKHOUSE, W E.
GNR CARROLL, N. W.
GNR CONWAY, F. W.
GNR CRAIG, R. W.
GNR GEOR0C, A E.
GNR LEVESQUE, U.J.
GNR MANLEY, R.W.
GNR MCKEOWN, B. P.
GNR ORR, A. W.
GNR OWENS, D.
GNR SNOW, L.A.
GNR STROUD, A. G.
GNR THISTLE, J.
GNR WENKERT, J. M.
GNR WHITE, J. J.
GNR WRIGHT, W.D.
PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
Manitoba has also named geographical features throughout the province in honour of the 37 Servicemen who lost their lives during the Korean War 1950-53/55. Also, on June 4, 2004, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, on a motion from Ms. Korzeniowski, has recognized July 27 as Korean War Veterans Day in Manitoba. Our thanks go out the Province of Manitoba for recognizing our Veterans with these honours.
CANOE RIVER
2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
21 November 1950
To those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country at the Canoe River disaster on route to Korea from Camp Shilo, Manitoba