THE remains of US soldiers who have fallen during World War ll battle in Solomon Islands have been fare-welled before being repatriated home last Sunday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, and External Trade, Milner Tozaka extended good wishes to the relatives of the fallen soldiers.
In a simple ceremony honoring the soldiers, held at the Honiara international airport before boarding the aircraft back to the United States, Mr Tozaka referring to the families of the soldiers said,”our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
He said, it was a comfort to the people of Solomon Islands to realize the remains of the service men will finally be re-united with their families and friends back home in the United States (US).
“The government of Solomon Islands would like to thank the government of United States and pay tribute to these service men who have sacrificed their lives and country to defend our country and people only to lose their own lives and never to see their loved ones again,” Mr Tozaka said.
He said, these brave men had sacrificed their lives defending the path to democracy, freedom. Human rights and dignity.
And most importantly they braved and deterred aggression against humanity in our islands.
“Some 70 years ago, Solomon Islands was a battle ground for justice and liberty,” he added.
“Our Islands had witnessed the dismays of the war and the cries of the service men that fought tirelessly and gave up their lives in seeking peace to determine the course of history, a history that sets the very basis of our present and for the future of our children and the generations to come, and to protect the values we hold so dear.
“This was the history of World War ll in our Islands,” he said.
Mr Tozaka said, the country acknowledge the joint effort and hard work done by the responsible United States and Solomon Islands authorities who have committed their times with recovering tasks.
“Today, we have witnessed and farewell these brave service men who have dedicated their lives to save our islands and its inhabitants,“ he said.
He said that it was a dedication to duty to redirect the course of the future, a future that is able and just which sustains the pride, nationhood and identity.
“To these service men, you earned our respect and Solomon Islands bid you farewell as you will now depart us and return to your loved ones in United States,” he said.
“We are encouraged by your bravery in serving for our course and for that we salute you,” Mr Tozaka said.
By LESLEY SANGA
