Korean War: Veterans of 'forgotten conflict' in Shrewsbury event
Eleven veterans of the Korean War – together with a high profile military guest – are expected at a ceremony which will see the standard of the Shropshire branch of the British Korean Veterans Association presented to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum.
Soldiers from the King's Shropshire Light Infantry fought in the 1950s conflict and the local branch of the association laid up its standard, the organisation's flag, in 2015.
Surviving veterans have chosen to present it to the museum, formerly known as Shropshire Regimental Museum, at Shrewsbury Castle, on Tuesday, November 16, with proceedings starting at 11am.
The veterans will present the standard in a short ceremony, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and dignitaries and representatives from the armed forces and Shropshire Council, as well as staff and trustees of the museum. Buglers will announce the standard’s arrival, and a padre will bless it before it is officially welcomed into the museum’s collection.
Also expected at the event is a famous military figure with Shropshire connections who fought in Korea, although full details are being kept under wraps in advance.
Richard Gough, museum director, said: “It’s a huge privilege being able to include the standard in our collections and to add to our stories with the voices of our Korean veterans.
"The standard is a symbol of the enduring service and loyalty these veterans continue to give today, from their time in the army over 70 years ago, and their stories and memories will enrich our already precious collection.
“It’s especially poignant at this time of year as we remember all who served, and our fallen – from all of our conflicts. This standard helps us ensure the Korean War is not the ‘forgotten war’ it’s often labelled as and reminds us of our veterans and what they gave for our todays.”
