Statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong
Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong:
“Three-quarters of a century ago, brave Canadians made their mark on Korean history. The Battle of Kapyong, also called Gapyeong, saw the overwhelmingly outnumbered 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry defeat some five thousand Chinese Communist troops alongside our Commonwealth allies.
“Fighting against the odds, often at night, the Canadians defended their position with grit and tenacity, even calling for artillery barrages on their own location to prevent it from being overrun.
“In the end, ten Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice at Kapyong, but they succeeded in holding the line. Harry S. Truman honoured the Patricias’ mettle and courage with the Presidential Unit Citation, making them the first Canadians to receive it.
“Kapyong is not only a symbol of our proud military heritage, but of our country’s deep and abiding ties to the Korean people. Today, Canada and South Korea are connected by trade and commerce, by shared values and our common faith in democracy.
“As we remember the bravery of our troops at Kapyong, we reflect on how our two great countries can build a better and freer future together.
“Lest we forget.”