G.A. Roots.
T. Sievier.
J.F. Wathen.
Three names from long ago which mean very little to most people these days.
Three Australian soldiers from the south west of Sydney – Liverpool to be exact, who went to fight for their country in the Korean war and never returned.
They are listed as Missing In Action (MIA) along with 40 other Diggers.
Local resident and Korean War Veteran (Navy) Sheridan O’Brien has been the driving force behind a campaign to build a memorial for those MIA from that conflict of long ago.
A conflict that also claimed many Australian lives, three of them from Liverpool.
Mr O’Brien has the support of the sub-Branch of the City of Liverpool RSL, which has resolved to construct a
Memorial Wall for all.
This will be built if and when funds are allocated, according to former mayor and military historian Gary Lucas.
But in the meantime a plinth dedicated to those Missing In Action from the Korean conflict will be unveiled in Bigge Park this Sunday, November 1.
The 11am ceremony will be conducted by the Korean War Veterans Association of NSW Inc.
Liverpool Council recently supported a Mayoral Minute tabled by Ned Mannoun which:
• acknowledges the Korean War veterans and the service to their country;
• Supports the commemorative day by donating $3,500 to cover associated requirements with the November 1 unveiling;
• Congratulate Mr Sheridan O’Brien for his initiative and hard work.
“Another sad chapter from our history, the Korean War marks the beginning of open hostilities that would be part of the so called Cold War,’’ said the mayor in the report tabled at council.
“Australia joined the United States and other allies in the war and fought against the tyranny of North Korea that threatened to consume the country.
“In the three years of hostilities before the ceasefire, Australia suffered nearly 2,000 casualties; killed, wounded or still missing in action.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It is to those 43 men who still remain on the Korean battle field, their bodies’ un-located, that we particularly honour with this memorial.[/social_quote]
“Their names and rank are listed on the plaque.
“To foster the memory of those who served and were lost in the Korean conflict, Council should provide every assistance to the Korean War Veterans Association for the event to honour the memories of our Australian soldiers.
“Special acknowledgement is deserved to Mr Sheridan O’Brien, himself a veteran of the war, and member of Korean War Veterans Association.
“Korea is sometimes miss characterised as The Forgotten War but with active veterans like Mr O’Brien we can ensure that the lives of all soldiers who served are not forgotten.’’
