Veterans from ‘The Forgotten War’ will be honoured at Lingfield Park Racecourse next month when the Royal British Legion marks the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice of the Korean War.
Korean guests, including veterans who fought in the conflict, will be guests of the RBL and the racecourse at a special day to mark the important milestone which is thought to have cost 2.5 million lives. Of these, 1,100 were British and Commonwealth soldiers called to action.
Racegoers attending the Saturday night fixture on August 5th, will be treated to a military march past and learn more about the three-year conflict through the memories of some of those who were there. The Korean conflict is often referred to as ‘The Forgotten War’ as it was overshadowed by the end of WW2.
Martin Wales, Executive Director of Lingfield Park Resort, said he was thrilled to welcome back the Royal British Legion, a relationship which spans almost 20 years at the racecourse. ‘The racegoers love to support the RBL members and particularly the veterans when they turn up in uniform. This year will be even more special as we mark this special occasion and welcome so many members of the Korean community who settled here after the conflict.’
Peter Wakeham, RBL’s Community Fundraiser for East Surrey, explained the charity also used the day to say Thank You to the area poppy collectors who turn out in force every year ahead of Remembrance Sunday to raise money for the poppy appeal.
‘Our relationship with Lingfield Park is a very special one. While everyone comes along and has a great time on the day, it is about far more than that. This is a great opportunity to remind thousands of racegoers about the important work of the RBL, which has been supporting Service men and women, veterans and their families since 1921.
‘The fact that this year we are focusing on those who fought in the Korean War, brings a whole new feature to this fantastic day.’
While the Armistice, signed on July 27th, 1953, brought an end to military operations in Korea, a peace treaty was never signed and the border between North and South Korea is one of the most militarised areas in the world today. To mark the sign of peace, the Korean neutral flag, used during international sporting events, will be flown alongside the racetrack.
As well as the traditional march past featuring a pipe band and a display of military vehicles, racegoers will be treated to some traditional fan dancing from the London Korean Dance Society. Members of the dance troupe will then take part in the march-past alongside Korean war veterans.
Tickets for the day are on sale now via: click here
