Koreans grateful for Ian’s input

The top of the South Island’s last-surviving Korean War veteran was “ambushed” by acknowledgements and emotions at a recent commemoration event in Nelson.

Ian Blissett was asked to attend the celebrations at the start of June with local members of the Korean community but was unexpectedly treated as the guest of honour by attendees.

Eighty-five-year-old Ian reminisced on his time in Korea as part of the American military recovery effort in the 1960s, despite being English-born, as well as the past commemorations held for Korean War veterans in Marlborough.

“I always feel deeply grateful for the warm hearts of the Korean people and their sincerity in remembering and inviting us, so it was very emotional for me, absolutely, I didn't expect it.

“We sat at the top of the table, and this lady came, whose father was an American serviceman, and she took my hand and led me and got the food for me, put it on the plate and led me back to the seat.

“We always had the RSA and the Council put on a parade at the Cenotaph which folded because people were dying and it became lonely, but I made sure to take the Marlborough commemoration wreath over to Nelson for this celebration.”

Ian’s connection to South Korea continues, with his grandson currently teaching English there, a move inspired by the connections he and his family made with the local Korean community.

“The local Korean community used to support us and put on some really good times at the Korean church.

“Someone from the Korean Embassy was there, and I said to him I am very, very proud of my little tiny bit of contribution to the freedom of the South Korean people and he replied ‘your little, tiny contribution is the reason why I am here’, which was very special.”

Marlborough Korean Association president Sohee Bae commented that was a great honour for the Korean Association of Marlborough to host Ian and take part in the Korean War Veterans Commemoration Event hosted by the Korean Association of Nelson.

“We are deeply grateful to the Korean Association of Nelson and all participants for their warm hospitality and genuine welcome.

“I often bring Ian homemade kimchi, which he always receives with great joy and appreciation.

“We also had the meaningful opportunity to meet another female Air Force Korean War veteran, Gladys Murdoch and her family, and engaged in a warm, personal conversation with her son.

“As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Korean War on June 25, I have been reflecting on how New Zealand’s Korean War veterans are slowly being forgotten from public awareness. I believe their stories must be preserved, honoured, and passed on to the next generation of New Zealanders.

“He is a living testament to a vital chapter in both Korean and New Zealand history. Capturing his voice and legacy while he is still with us is not only timely but essential,” he added.