The Korean Conflict - Not a War?

It began a struggle between the communist Republic of South Korea and the democratic Republic of North Korea. No formal declaration of war was ever made, rather an imposing and escalating form of police action on the part of the UN (United Nations) against South Korea and its communist sympathizers had occurred.

In all other respects however, it was a war. After three years (June 1950 - July 1953) of brutal combat many young soldiers were left dead and wounded. The United States alone suffered 157,530 casualties of which 33,629 were dead. Other allied nations, including Canada, had casualties of 16,532 with 3094 deaths.

South Korea sustained heavy losses. Total war casualties were 1,312,836 with 415,004 deaths.

Nothing can, however, compare to the devastation to human life than the losses sustained during WW I and WW II. These wars were, in a sad true sense, wars.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we all pause in respectful silence. We remember our war dead and all the youthful men and women who fought bravely for the freedom we enjoy today.

We want to thank all the fighting Newfoundlanders for their courage and we remember war not for the brutal act that it was but so we can strive to not let it happen again.