Veterans remembered for service in 'forgotten war'

The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict.

A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service.

"I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it.

"War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid."

About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service.

Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children.

During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause.

Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. 

South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary.

The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule.

More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. 

The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded.

Of those who died, 42 have no known grave.

In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.

"The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said.

"To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember.

"As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.

"We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour."

Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation.

"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said.

"Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today."

It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living.

More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict.

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Australian Associated Press