The commitment and sacrifice of Australians and our allies during the Korean War was remembered and honoured today at a special wreath laying ceremony hosted by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson. The President and First Lady of Korea, His Excellency Mr Roh Moo-hyun and Her Excellency Kwon Yang-suk, were special guests at the ceremony which took place at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra.

"Ceremonies such as this help ensure that the service of men and women in the Korean War is never forgotten, and it was a great honour to share today's ceremony with the President and First Lady of Korea," Mr Billson said. "It is fitting that Australia has a national memorial for the Korean War, one of only two national memorials outside of Korea dedicated to those who served in Korea, the other being in the United States."

The Australian National Korean War Memorial on Anzac Parade was dedicated in April 2000. The memorial pays tribute to the Australians who died and honours those who served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Mr Billson said when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, Australia was among the first countries to respond to the United Nations call for help, reaffirming Australia's role as a committed and responsive ally. More than 17,000 Australians served in the Korean War, 340 died, 1216 were injured and 29 became prisoners of war.

"Today we remember the Australian servicemen and women who fought in the Korean War and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also remember our allies with whom we served," Mr Billson said.