It has been 60 years since Canadian soldiers fought in the Korean War.

It began with the invasion of the South by the North Korean forces in 1950. The United Nations, including Canada, opposed, invaded, and advanced to the North. Peace negotiations began in 1951, but the war didn't end until 1953.

Often times this war is glossed over in history lessons and the president of the Korean Veterans Association of Canada, Warren Byrnell, wanted to do something about it.

Byrnell, along with three other local Korean War veterans - Claude Parenteau, Jim Boyd, and Bob Stirling - donated a number of books about the war to the libraries of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

The presentation took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Pitt Meadows branch.

Librarian Sandy Richardson gratefully accepted the books, eight in total, four for each branch.

"There are very few Korean War books available in the Fraser Valley Regional Library system, and only one book on our shelves in Pitt Meadows," said Richardson. "This will be nice to have a section on just the Korean War," she added.

Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters was at the library during the donation ceremony. She told the four veterans that their gift is "preserving the history of the Korean War."

"It is such a valuable resource to have," added Walters. "The books we receive today will provide our patrons an accurate account of the events that took place during the Korean War, well into the future."

Walters also thanked Byrnell for "always keeping us mindful of the role Canadians played in the Korean War."

Rob O'Brennan, Fraser Valley Regional Libraries chief executive officer, was on-hand as well.

"We are please and honoured to receive this gift. It's a great edition to our library," O'Brennan said.

During the Korean War, Bob Stirling was an artillery man with the 2nd RCHA, Jim Boyd was with the 26th RAMC Field Ambulance, Parenteau served on the HMCS Crusader, and Byrnell was a mechanic with the RCEME.

smclaren@mrtimes.com