Canadian veteran Vincent R. Courtenay (second from left) on Nov. 11 lays flowers during the International Memorial Day for United Nations (U.N.) Korean War Veterans at the at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan. (Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs)

The annual International Day of Remembrance for U.N. (United Nations) Korean War Veterans, which honors soldiers from U.N. allied countries who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War, was held on Nov. 11 at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea in Busan.

The occasion began in 2007 when Canadian veteran Vincent R. Courtenay proposed that U.N. member states that took part in the conflict on every Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. (Korea Standard Time) observe a one-minute moment of silence directed toward the cemetery.

Under the theme "Moment To Be One, Turn Toward Busan," the event was attended by some 1,000 people including veterans from Korea and six U.N. member countries that took part in the war, the families of the fallen soldiers, diplomatic officials from such allies, personnel from the U.N. Command, citizens and students.

At exactly 11 a.m., memorial sirens sounded across Busan to signal the moment of silence to honor U.N. soldiers who died in the conflict, followed by a 21-gun salute, the highest military honor, laying of wreaths and delivery of memorial speeches.

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul said, "The one-minute moment of silence at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 dedicated to Busan is a meaningful occasion to remember the heroes resting at the world’s only U.N. cemetery and remember a history of solidarity that transcends national borders."

Twenty-two countries supported the nation during the war. As of September, the remains of 2,399 fallen soldiers from 14 of these allies were buried at the cemetery.

cloveroh@korea.kr