Memorial marks Irish contribution

Irish veteran Mark McConnell recites his "Korean Lament" at the dedication ceremony at the War Memorial in Yongsan, Seoul, April 25.
/ Courtesy of Tom Coyner

By Tracie Barrett

Steady rain was a reminder of home for many of those who gathered at the War Memorial in Yongsan, Seoul, on April 25 for the dedication ceremony of a memorial to those of Irish birth and heritage who died in the Korean War.

Eamonn McKee, ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Korea, opened his remarks by referring to the weather in his rich brogue as "a soft Irish day" and joked after the ceremony, "What Irish event would be complete without rain?"

The ceremony was attended by diplomats, military personnel and defense attaches from the host nation, Ireland, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as a group of Irish war veterans in Korea for a week-long visit.

The visit also included trips to battle sites at Happy Valley and the Imjin River, a reception at the ambassador's residence, tours of the DMZ and a visit to the U.N. Cemetery in Busan.

McKee said Ireland was not part of the U.N. when war broke out on the Korean Peninsula but many Irish served, as soldiers or providers of succor.

"We recall the Irish missionaries who came to Korea, built communities through faith and compassion and who, in the dark hours of war, refused to leave those communities," he said in his speech.

"We recall those of Irish birth who joined Irish regiments in the British Army and shipped under the U.N. flag to Korea as part of the Commonwealth forces; and those who had emigrated to America and came here with U.S. forces. Ireland's tide of emigration carried many into the armed services of the many countries that would fight here under the U.N. flag."

Following the ambassador's presiding remarks, Korea's Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Park Sung-choon and War Memorial Director Lt.-Gen (Ret) Sun Young-jae gave addresses, recognizing the Irish contribution to the war.

Irish veteran Mark McConnell took the podium to give a rending rendition of his own "Korean Lament," ― an ode to those who fought and died in the country's service and those who returned home to remember them.

Following "The Last Post" and a minute's silence for the fallen, "Reveille" was played then a piper from the Royal Irish Regiment played "The Piper's Lament," another hauntingly somber experience.

Carol Walker of the Somme Association gave the closing remarks and wreaths were laid before the memorial, followed by a blessing, then those present did what the Irish have always done so well. They ignored the still-falling rain as they welcomed old and new friends and told stories of days gone by.

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