Prejudice From ‘Real War’ Veterans

Heroes Remember

Prejudice From ‘Real War’ Veterans

Transcript

Interviewer: When you look back on your time in Korea, do you ever wonder why it is that Canadians, and more particularly the Western nations don't remember the Korean engagement in the way they ought to? I think it had a lot to do with the attitude of the legions. Legions were started by the first, people of the First World War who didn't like the people from the Second World War. And the people in the Second World War didn't like us, so, I don't know. Because we were told it wasn't a war. It was a police action. That's what they told everybody: it's a police action. Interviewer: And because presumably the numbers were somewhat smaller, it was considered to be that police action. Yeah. Interviewer: Tell me a little bit about that. Did you experience that kind of prejudice, in a legion hall? Yep. Interviewer: Can you describe a little bit about that? Oh, one time I went into, I was going to join the legion, thought I'd give it a whirl, and I got the application form and I said to the guy in the office, I said "Is it alright if I go in and have a beer and I'll fill out this form?" And he says sure. I was filling out the form, guy looked over and said "What are you doing?" I said "Filling out the form." He said "Well they only take Veterans here." I said "Ok, no problem." He looked down he says "Korea?" He said "That wasn't a war!" He said "I was in a World War." I looked at him, put the pen down, shook my head, I said "You're right. I can't join your legion because you fought the whole world and lived." Got up and walked out. Interviewer: Well that.... I know you're smiling, but it must've hurt a great deal, that someone... Yeah... I belong to the legion now! But, that's the way we were treated. And, there was quite a few others that I know of that got treated exactly the same way. In London, Ontario, as long as we were in uniform we could come in and use the facilities but we weren't able to join. So it took me a long time to actually get around to joining the legion.

Description

Mr. Himes recalls the poor attitude of the legions and their members toward Korean War Veterans upon their return home. He describes one particular instance of prejudice during his first attempt to join the legion.

Kenneth Albert Himes

Mr Himes was born February 6, 1932, in Fort William, Ontario. He left school while in Grade 6, and worked at various jobs. After joining the Militia in an attempt to make money, he was posted to Churchill in the medical corp. While there he met men from the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) on training - he was so impressed with their skill and level of training, that he decided to join the RCR, and no other unit, as soon as he came of age. Canada was already looking for volunteers for Korea at the time Mr Himes became eligible to join, and thus was sent to Winnipeg the same day he signed on. After basic training in Petawawa, special training in Wainwright, and mountain training in Jasper, Mr Himes was notified Christmas Day 1952 that the RCR would be shipped to Korea - they arrived in Seoul in late April. Within two weeks of arriving in Korea, Mr Himes found himself in the middle of the Battle at Hill 187 - it would prove to be the worst action he participated in during his tour. After the peace accord was signed, Mr Himes remained in Korea with the RCR for an additional 8 months, patrolling the demilitarized zone. Having 3 years served under his belt, Mr Himes left the military soon after returning to Canada, but joined the RCR again when he found himself out of work. He remained with the RCR until he retired from active service in 1962.

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