Busan, South Korea — Today, the 18th annual “Turn Toward Busan” ceremony will take place at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, honoring United Nations soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. Under the theme “Turn Toward Busan,” this year’s event is expected to gather over 800 attendees, including veterans from 20 countries, their families, South Korean veterans, military leaders, and local citizens, who will come together in a powerful moment of remembrance and unity.
In an international gesture of respect and reflection, people worldwide are invited to face Busan at 11 a.m. KST and observe one minute of silence. The event, initiated by Canadian Korean War veteran Vincent R. Courtenay, carries a significant message: remembering the sacrifices made for global freedom and peace.
Between 1950 and 1953, South Korea was supported by a coalition of 21 countries under the United Nations, which sent troops to aid in the fight for freedom and to defend against the invasion from the North. Over 40,000 UN soldiers were wounded, and more than 5,000 gave their lives. The UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, established in 1955, is the final resting place of 2,300 UN soldiers and remains the only UN-designated cemetery in the world, symbolizing the global unity and sacrifice embodied by those who served.
As the world witnesses a solemn moment of silence each November 11, the “Turn Toward Busan” event honors this shared legacy and provides an opportunity to remember the high cost of peace and the ultimate sacrifices made by soldiers from diverse nations. For many, it is a time to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the enduring bonds formed between Korea and the international community.
Vincent R. Courtenay, a Canadian veteran who served in the Korean War, first proposed the idea of “Turn Toward Busan” as a tribute to fallen comrades. For Courtenay, observing one minute of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 carries profound symbolism. In his words, “For over 60 years, I have thought of Korea every day. Remembering the war always brings pain, but it is better than the war being forgotten.”
Courtenay’s vision for this observance was to unite people worldwide in a single act of remembrance and to honor those who died on foreign soil for the freedom of a country they had never known. The alignment of numbers—11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month—mirrors the observance of Remembrance Day in many countries, such as Canada and the UK, symbolizing a moment when the world comes together in collective memory. In Korea, this observance serves as a tribute to the selfless actions of UN soldiers and emphasizes that their sacrifice is neither forgotten nor unappreciated.
This year’s ceremony will include the interment of an unidentified UN soldier at the cemetery, adding further poignancy to the event. The remains of this soldier, believed to be a young European male aged 17 to 25, were uncovered in 2010 in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. Although his identity and nationality remain unknown, he is recognized as one of the countless young men who answered the call to serve. His burial in Busan signifies an enduring respect for every individual who fought and died for peace, even those who remain nameless.
The “Turn Toward Busan” ceremony will feature a series of tributes and reflections. At 11 a.m., a siren will echo across Busan, signaling one minute of silence to honor the UN soldiers. This observance will be joined by all attending the ceremony, as well as citizens throughout the city, uniting in a moment of reflection.
One of the most poignant parts of this year’s ceremony will be a tribute from Mary McIntosh, the daughter of the late U.S. Marine Melvin Maynard, who served in the Battle of Incheon during the Korean War. McIntosh will read a letter to her father, expressing her gratitude and admiration for his service, and will sing a commemorative song. Her personal remembrance serves as a reminder of the families who continue to feel the impact of these sacrifices, even decades after the end of the war.
The “Turn Toward Busan” event is part of an international observance on November 11, a day recognized around the world as Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, and Veterans Day. As such, it aligns with global traditions of honoring those who served and sacrificed in war. Through this act of turning toward Busan, the ceremony invites people across the globe to participate in a shared expression of gratitude and remembrance that transcends national borders.
This call for unity and peace resonates deeply, particularly as each country faces the challenges of today’s world. As Vincent R. Courtenay’s vision has shown, remembering past sacrifices is essential for appreciating the freedoms enjoyed today and for cultivating a collective hope for peace.
“These centers represent our investment in Busan’s future. We hope to see many unicorn companies emerge from this initiative, helping to make our city a vibrant center of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
In its 18th year, the “Turn Toward Busan” ceremony has become an essential part of South Korea’s national remembrance, linking the legacy of UN veterans with ongoing efforts for international peace. As the city pauses for one minute, Busan sends a message to the world: that the sacrifices of these young soldiers are neither forgotten nor in vain. The moment of silence bridges generations and nations, serving as a powerful reminder that peace is something worth remembering—and striving for.
The “Turn Toward Busan” initiative reminds us all that the ultimate sacrifice made by these soldiers serves as a foundation for the freedom and unity that people around the world continue to uphold. Today, as Busan and the world pause, we honor those who came before us and reflect on the cost of the peace we hold dear.
