Gov't hosts camp for descendants of Korean War veterans who fought under UN flag

More than 80 foreign youths are currently visiting Korea as part of an annual exchange program for descendants of veterans from countries that fought in the 1950-53 Korean War under the United Nations flag, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said on Friday.

The UN Sending States' Youth Exchange Camp kicked off on Friday and runs through Thursday across Seoul, Busan and Gyeonggi, bringing together 84 descendants of Korean War veterans and other students.

Among them is a descendant of Canadian veteran Vincent Courtenay, who was awarded the Camellia Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 2014 for his contributions to Korea.

During the weeklong program, participants will visit key historical sites, including Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park in Paju, just south of the demilitarized zone; the War Memorial of Korea; Seoul National Cemetery; and the UN Peace Memorial in Busan.

Launched in 2009, the annual program is designed to pass on the values of sacrifice and dedication demonstrated by veterans — who fought to defend Korea's freedom and peace during the Korean War — to future generations.

Yonhap