Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, our esteemed veterans Bob and Fen Lamb.

Thank you for joining us today to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice.

Today, we gather not only to honour the memory of those who served, but also to ensure that the Korean War, often referred to as the “Forgotten War,” will never be forgotten.

In history, the Korean War may have been overshadowed by the larger conflicts of World War II and Vietnam, but its significance in shaping the course of the world cannot be understated.

It marked the first clear battle of the Cold War, and the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the British forces who participated in the UN conflict should never fade into obscurity.

Among them, we have the honour of having Bob and Fen Lamb, twins who served in the Navy, standing before us. Their dedication to the cause, their bravery in the face of adversity, and their unwavering commitment to defending freedom are a testament to the spirit that defines those who fought in the Korean War.

Let us also remember that more than 100,000 British service personnel were involved in this conflict, with over 1000 making the ultimate sacrifice, and thousands more suffering injuries or becoming prisoners of war.

Each one of these individuals had dreams, aspirations, and loved ones waiting for their safe return.

We must never forget the price they paid for peace and stability in a region far from home.

The Korean War was a brutal and bloody struggle that left countless North and South Koreans dead, as well as over 100,000 casualties among the United Nations forces.

And yet, even after seven decades, the war has never formally ended.

Tensions continue to run high between North and South Korea, and the presence of US forces along the heavily militarised border is a reminder of the unresolved nature of the conflict.

But today, let us focus not only on the lingering tensions but also on the indomitable spirit of those who served in the Korean War. Their courage and determination should be an inspiration to us all.
Their legacy lives on through their deeds, their sacrifices, and the impact they had on shaping the world we live in today.

The contributions of the British forces in support of the UN response were the second largest international effort after that of the United States. The magnitude of their commitment reflects the shared belief in the values of freedom, justice, and democracy.

As we stand here today, let us remember the 1,100 British soldiers who gave their lives for this cause, the thousands who were injured, and the 1,060 who suffered as prisoners of war. Their courage and sacrifice must be etched into the collective memory of our nation and the world.

In 2014, a memorial was unveiled in London to honour those British personnel who served in Korea. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the lives lost during this often-forgotten war.

But today, we go beyond memorials and speeches; we make a commitment to keep their stories alive, to ensure that their legacy endures in the hearts and minds of future generations.

As we mark this significant milestone, let us pledge to never forget the Korean War and the heroes who stood on the frontlines. Let us educate ourselves and others about this important chapter in history, so that we can learn from it and prevent such conflicts in the future.

Bob and Fen Lamb, we are deeply grateful for your service, your courage, and your presence here today. Your legacy will continue to inspire us and serve as a reminder of the debt we owe to those who fought in the Korean War.

Our promise today is that we will remember, that to us, Korea will never be a “Forgotten War.”

May we always remember and honour their sacrifice and may the quest for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula never waver.