Hibiscus flowers made of steel and bronze stand tall in Sydney's Moore Park as a tribute to the Australians who fought in the Korean War.
The NSW Korean War Memorial features 136 of the flowers, one for every NSW life lost during the struggle to defend the Republic of Korea from the Communist north.
Often referred to as the "forgotten war", 17,000 Australian troops served in the United Nations contingent, and 340 lost their lives between 1950 and 1953.
The Moore Park memorial, dedicated on Sunday, also features the names of the 18 who died after the armistice was signed.
Surrounded by a circular stone wall, the monument has a large granite block split in two as its centrepiece, representing the divide in the Korean peninsula.
It also features 11 stone mound, with the names of the battles in which Australians received honours.
Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans' Affairs Graham West told assembled veterans and dignitaries there needed to be greater recognition for Australians who served in Korea.
"Today, we make good on an unfilled duty, the omission of which has done us no credit and much harm," Mr West said.
"We dedicate this memorial to the men and women who bore the burden of those terrible years.
Mr West said he hoped the monument would serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made.
"This place is a tribute to the dead and the pain of the living," he said.
"A place where veterans and their loved ones can think and pray and remember."
Also at Sunday's dedication ceremony was Republic of Korea Veterans Affairs Minister Yang Kim.
Mr Kim thanked Australia for the contribution its veterans made in the war.
"The ... Korean War monument will serve as a hallmark for the everlasting sacrifice and commitment you made and as a symbol to consolidate our mutual friendship and collaboration," he said.
"I trust that our recovery from the ashes of the war and continuous development shall make you proud of your service."
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