OTTAWA - Just don’t forget.

It’s a simple message, but one folks like Bill Black and Alfred Lerner hope people will hear every year when he and his fellow Korean War veterans get together to mark the anniversary of the end of one of the most important military actions Canadian soldiers took part in during the past century.

Sunday, local veterans of the Korean War, including Black and Lerner and more than 100 of their fellow soldiers from countries around the world, gathered together with family and friends to once again remember what some people refer to as The Forgotten War.

More than 27,000 Canadians fought in the war, with 516 killed.

“You know, we don’t have as many of the veterans around these days because it was 50 years ago,” said Lerner, who served as a gunner with the U.S. Army in Korea and is now a member of the Korean Veterans Association of Canada’s Unit 7 based in Ottawa. Black is president of the group.

“Those who are still around, many of whom also fought in WWII like me, take part in this memorial in order to make sure people don’t forget.”

The war between North and South Korea began on June 25, 1950 when the north invaded the south. Allies including Canada and the U.S. jumped to South Korea’s aid and fought to push back the northern military over the course of the following three years. An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

Sunday, dignitaries including Korean Ambassador Chan-ho Ha and Canadian Minister of State Gordon O’Connor laid wreaths in remembrance of those lost in the conflict.

This year’s memorial was significant because it was held not long after North Korean officials withdrew from the armistice May 27.

“I’m not sure what to think about that,” said Lerner. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another Korean war.”