This is an open letter to Canada Post and Prime Minster Stephen Harper.
I have written to this newspaper along with a few others in order to make my plea public, and perhaps convince Canada Post to reconsider its decision to say “no” to our veterans and it may move our prime minister to help.
I am unofficially writing on behalf of all Korean War veterans and for those 516 brave Canadian men who died during the war. Those buried on the Korean peninsula remain silent, but their comrades, families, many others and I do not forget them.
Canada Post represents all of Canada and the stamps produced each year play an important part in portraying Canadian life and history. Since the end of the war in 1953, only one Canadian Korean War themed postage stamp has been made and Canada Post refuses to make another.
The war lasted three long years, and tragically saw the death of several million soldiers and civilians from both sides of the front line.
This worldwide historical event involved many allied countries that fought for the first time under the United Nations banner, and with a just cause, to stop a war.
I ask you both, the corporation and the prime minister, why will Canada Post not honour our veterans who succeeded in winning the greatest prize – peace?
Next year is the 60th anniversary of the Korean War cease fire, and before it is too late when our veterans have all passed on, please reconsider your decision “not” to recognize this important historical event with a lasting national honour, a commemorative postage stamp.
Guy Black, recipient
Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation
Port Moody
