Today we remember the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and recognise the service and sacrifice of more than 17,000 Australians who fought as part of the United Nations (UN) multinational force defending South Korea from a North Korean invasion. On 25 June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Army crossed the border into the Republic of Korea capturing Seoul within days. This led to the first Australian ground troops arriving in Pusan and following three years of fighting an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 after a long negotiation. However, Australians would remain in Korea for another four years as military observers. Australia suffered some 1,500 casualties during the Korean War and post-Armistice period, including more than 350 who died, and 30 who were taken prisoner. Even today, some 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action. Today we remember all those who served our country in Korea and thank them for their sacrifices.