Remains of fallen US Marines are set to be taken home to their families almost 80 years after the Guadalcanal Campaign following a repatriation ceremony at the Skyline US War Memorial yesterday
THE remains of five United States (US) Marines will return home to their families after being buried at Gilbert Camp in East Honiara nearly 80 years ago during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
A repatriation honour for them was held at the American War memorial, Skyline yesterday.
Solomon Islands Government representatives, the US Ambassador, Russell Comeau, members of the diplomatic corps, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and officials from the US Embassy attended the repatriation ceremony. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is an agency within the US Department of Defense that works to recover service members who became missing during their service.
US Ambassador Comeau said “All will be brought home no matter where they rest, no matter how much time passes, they are not forgotten.”
He said the remains of the US Marines were recovered with the support of the people of Gilbert Camp along with a visiting team from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and National Museum.
He said their remains rested nearly eight decades among the homes at Gilbert Camp.
“It was not easy work, often times it was back breaking and exhausting, but no one complained because each knew the sacred duties that they were undertaking in fulfilling a longstanding promise to our fallen – that ALL will be brought home – no matter where they rest, no matter how much time passes – they are not forgotten.
Above: A member of the US Defense salutes the US flag.
“The United States and our allies did not seek war, but we refused to shrink from it.
“We did not want to send our sons and daughters off to fight on foreign soil and I know that Solomon Islanders suffered and died in great numbers as well – the war was not one that you invited either, but it was one that was fought on your shores.
“I want to assure you that the war was fought to ensure a lasting peace. A peace that allowed nations to choose their own future, their own leadership and their own destiny.
“The postwar peace forged societies where people are free to speak their minds, worship as they choose, where governments are transparent and accountable to their people, where everyone plays by the same rules and where disputes are resolved peacefully.
“The conflict brought peace and democracy to millions of people around the world, including Solomon Islands. And now, across the Pacific, we see tangible partnerships, where even former combatants, former enemies, have become the staunchest of allies and the truest of friends.
“Today, we honour the memories of those who died and were injured—both during the war itself, and in the years that followed – and we demonstrate our commitment to the enduring friendship with the people of Solomon Islands,” Ambassador Comeau underscored.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
