Meadowvale Cemetery
In 2021, Meadowvale Cemetery unveiled the Gapyeong Battle Monument, a solemn tribute to one of Canada’s most significant military engagements since the Second World War – the 1951 Battle of Gapyeong that took place during the Korean War. For two days in April, the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), alongside Australian and New Zealand forces, held their ground against overwhelming Chinese attacks. Outnumbered nearly seven to one, these soldiers prevented a breakthrough toward Seoul, a stand so heroic it earned the battalion the rare United States Presidential Unit Citation – a distinction shared by only a handful of Canadian units in history.
The monument anchors Meadowvale’s War Memorial and Veterans section, a space designed for reflection and remembrance of those who gave everything. It commemorates not only the bravery of those at Gapyeong, but also the broader Canadian contribution to the Korean War, where 26,791 Canadians served, with 516 killed and 1,255 wounded. Nearby, the Korean War National Wall of Remembrance, dedicated in 1997, lists every Canadian who fell during the conflict ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
At the heart of this memorial landscape stands Conflict, an interpretive sculpture by Toronto artist and former MPG Director of Development, Kari Myllymaki. Unlike traditional granite walls, this piece uses abstract granite forms surrounding a polished globe to symbolize a world under threat yet striving for peace. Its purpose is clear: to honour veterans without glorifying war. The setting was shaped in collaboration with arborist Jack Radecki, whose vision for Meadowvale integrated natural elements with commemorative designs. The result is a space where art, architecture and landscape converge to create a uniquely contemplative experience.
Meadowvale continues to evolve as a place of honour. In 2024, the Cross of Sacrifice was added to the Last Post Fund Ontario Field of Honour, reinforcing the cemetery’s role as a living tribute to military service and peace. These memorials remind visitors that courage is not only remembered in stone but also reflected in the thoughtful design of spaces that offer respite and invite reflection.
The Gapyeong Battle Monument and Conflict sculpture embody Meadowvale’s commitment to preserving history while fostering an environment of dignity and respect. Here, remembrance is not static – it grows alongside the trees and pathways, ensuring that future generations understand the cost of freedom and the enduring value of peace.
Sources:
• Veterans Affairs Canada – Canada and the Korean War
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – Battle of Kapyong
• Korean War National Wall of Remembrance
Photo courtesy of Mount Pleasant Group
