A special service has been held to make sure nobody forgets the brave sacrifices of those who fell during the Korean War.
The conflict lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 and is often described as the “forgotten war”.
But members of the Scottish Korean War Memorial Trust work hard to make sure the heroes are remembered and recently held their annual re-dedication ceremony at the memorial at Witchcraig in the Bathgate hills.
Veterans were joined by dignitaries from the Korean Embassy in London.
Brian Kelly, chair of the Korean War Memorial Trust, explained: “This was the rededication of a memorial to those who fell in the Korean War and it’s a Scottish Korean War memorial and uniquely, it lists the names of everyone from the UK armed forces who were killed in that conflict.
“It’s a very unique setting and this is done annually. We believe there are about nine or 10 veterans left in Scotland, which is sad, but it is inevitable.
“We had the defence attaches, Captain Lee and Lieutenant Colonel Yong from the Korean embassy in London.
“Unlike here, most people in Korea have a great affection for those who went and defended them and they remember to this day.
“They usually bring something with them, some kind of gift, to give to the veterans, so they’re always very mindful of what they did, even though it was a long time ago.”
Brian said the organisation hopes to carry out a service every year: “There is money left in the memorial fund and that’s what we intend to do, to fund these re-dedication services for as long as we can, to remember those who gave their lives.
“They call it the forgotten war, we’re just trying to ensure they’re not forgotten.”
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