US ambassador James C Kenny, and the Korean Republic's ambassador Jong Rak Kwon, yesterday jointly unveiled a stone arch monument in the village of Lixnaw, Co Kerry, in memory of the 35 Irish people who died in the Korean war.
The campaign for the recognition of the men was started in Lixnaw, birthplace of one of those killed, John Canty.
Some 29 Irishmen died while serving in the US army, under the UN flag, between 1950 and 1953. Five of those who died came from Co Kerry, along with five from Limerick, four from Co Cork, and four from Co Roscommon. Three of those who died were from Co Mayo, two from Co Leitrim and two from Belfast. The dead also came from counties Louth, Longford, Tipperary and Galway. Five Irish Columban priests were also killed, along with a 67-year-old Anglican nun, Sr Mary Clare Witty from Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. She was taken prisoner in July, 1950, and died on a death march in November. The Columban priests came from Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Louth and Westmeath. Two of their American colleagues had also been killed.
The regional director of the Columbans in Ireland, Fr Tom Murphy, said most of those who died were idealistic and very young men. He prayed the monument in Lixnaw would inspire those who passed it by to become involved in peace and reconciliation work.
Mr Kenny said it was "incredible" to see so many people in Lixnaw yesterday from all over the country, and from other countries, to honour people who had been involved in what had come to be known as the "forgotten war". The 29 soldiers were part of the American military, fighting under the UN auspices and they had died alongside others of their adopted country to advance their shared values of freedom and dignity.
The monument was a testament in stone, not only to the 35 heroes, but to Irish people who had helped advance freedom and human rights around the world.
"These soldiers are role models for us and we should follow their example where we can," Mr Kenny added.
Korean ambassador Jong Rak Kwon said he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to express his country's sincere appreciation "to these friends who sacrificed their lives in Korea." Today his country was enjoying economic prosperity, freedom and democracy. The Irish and Koreans had much in common, he felt.