The South Australian Government has announced a commitment of $130,000 in funding towards the establishment of a memorial dedicated to the state’s veterans who served in the Korean War. The announcement comes alongside the government’s support for the South Australian Korean War Memorial Project Inc., an initiative previously led by the late Colonel Peter Scott DSO, OAM (Retd), a noted Korean War veteran.
The funds will be directed towards the planning and development stages of the memorial. Potential locations for the memorial have been identified as being adjacent to the Torrens Parade Ground and River Torrens.
Colonel Peter Scott, who passed away earlier in April at the age of 96, was a key figure in advocating for the creation of a state memorial. His efforts, now continued by the organisation he helped lead, have aimed to secure additional support from various sources, including other tiers of government in Australia and the Republic of Korea, as well as from private entities.
The Korean War, often called the ‘Forgotten War’, saw significant participation from South Australia, with 1,029 service members involved in the conflict from 1950 to 1953, during which 13 South Australians lost their lives. Over 18,000 Australians served in the Korean War as part of the United Nations forces. Despite these contributions, public recognition and commemoration have been limited compared to other conflicts.
In honouring these veterans, South Australia currently hosts Korean War memorials in several regions, including Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier. However, the push for a dedicated state memorial aims to centralise the commemoration and provide a singular monument acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Joe Szakacs, shared, “Our Government is committed to appropriately honouring and commemorating South Australians who have served our country.
“More than 1,000 South Australians served in Korea, and it’s incumbent upon us to ensure that, despite its moniker, the ‘Forgotten War’ is not forgotten.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank the late Colonel Peter Scott for his continued advocacy on behalf of all Korean War veterans. I’m sure he would be buoyed by this commitment, which comes off the back of his hard work.”
Support for the memorial also comes from high-ranking officials such as Rear Admiral the Hon Kevin Scarce AC, CSC, RAN (Retd.), Patron of the South Australian Korean War Memorial Project Inc.
He said, “It’s time that we honour the service and sacrifice of South Australians who fought in the Korean War with a dedicated State Memorial.
“We are deeply appreciative for the support of the Minister and funding by the South Australian Government to help progress this important initiative.”
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