SHOW OF THANKS
HISTORIC BATTLE
SURVIVORS and descendants of those who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea 75 years ago were yesterday among hundreds to attend a moving seaside service in Cardwell.
While the battle itself took place 800km offshore, where more than 600 lives and eight ships were lost, the horrors still hit so close to home.
USS Lexington survivor Cecil Wiswell, now 92, proudly led a short parade in a military Jeep alongside his son Tom before laying the final wreath at the permanent memorial.
He travelled from Washington to Cardwell for the service, five years after his visit for the 70th anniversary.
He will be guest of honour again at services in Townsville today.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, representing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, said while the bonds between Australia and the US were forged in World War I, they only strengthened in the Pacific, and are crucial in today’s uncertain international security climate.
“Australia and the United States continue to work with our allies to address new security threats around the world, to ensure – in the words of (former prime minister) Robert Menzies – ‘the enemies of freedom shall not pass’,” he said.
“We must be forever grateful to those who have put their lives – and who continue to put their lives – on the line, so that we might have a free and peaceful world.”
US Consul General Valerie Fowler said during the battle, the US answered Australia’s call at a time when it meant the most.
“May the bravery of those who fought on the Coral Sea serve as an inspiration the Americans and Australians alike as we confront the challenges ahead,” she said.
Ms Fowler also read a statement to the crowd on behalf of US President Donald Trump.
“By combining our forces, we fought shoulder to shoulder, halted the advance and preserved the security of Australia,” Mr Trump wrote.
Mr Trump stated that while the loss of life during the battle was tremendous, so were the post-war benefits.
“The battle led to the strong and important alliance between the United States and Australia,” he wrote.
“We honour the bravery and sacrifice of those American and Australian heroes.”
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett said the battle was the closest the Japanese naval force got to Australia’s coast.
“It is the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that we come here today to honour and to give thanks as individuals, as a community and as nations,” he said. “Let us also be mindful of the courage we expect from them as they fight for us just as those brave soldiers did in 1942.”
WE MUST BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO HAVE PUT THEIR LIVES – AND WHO CONTINUE TO PUT THEIR LIVES – ON THE LINE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MINISTER DAN TEHAN