The Korea Veterans Association of Canada
The Korea Veterans Association of Canada (KVA) embodies the spirit of comradeship that was developed during the Korean War and the years that followed.
KVA is comprised primarily of members who served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy, Army, Air Force) in Korea during the 1950-1953 war and on peacekeeping duties in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Korea veterans who served with United Nations Forces from other countries as well as certain ancillary units are also eligible for membership (see Membership page).
At present there are 53 branches (units) across Canada. Each unit elects its own executive and most meet on a monthly basis except during the summer. KVA is divided geographically into five regions – Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and Pacific. Each region elects its own executive. At the national level the organization is governed by the National Council. National Council is comprised of the National President, National Vice-President, National Immediate Past President, five Regional Presidents, and appointed National committee chairmen.
Biennial national reunions (combined with a convention business meeting) are held in even-numbered years. In recent years KVA national reunions have been held in Toronto (2004), Edmonton (2002), Ottawa (2000), Winnipeg (1998), Calgary (1996), Ottawa (1994), Victoria (1992).
Most KVA regions meet annually or semi-annually and each unit within the regions hold meetings and social events.
Encompassed in the objectives of KVA are the welfare and concerns of Korean War veterans and their families. Representation is frequently made to government departments and other groups either directly or in conjunction with The Royal Canadian Legion or the National Council of Veterans Associations, to protect the interests of our members.
History
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 and more and more Korea veterans reached retirement, creating extra leisure time, membership peaked—over 4,000 members in 60-odd branches (units) across Canada. 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 KVA to its utmost, the General John M. Rockingham Memorial–Heritage Unit #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. KVA successfully lobbied the Federal Government for the “Korea” service button and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea. It organizes revisits 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 program 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, 1955. 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. See Membership Page.