US alliance an ‘anchor’
US President Joe Biden described the country’s alliance with Australia as an “anchor for peace and stability” during a service marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
US and Australian dignitaries, veterans, servicemen and women and the community gathered at Cavill Park on Sunday to remember the decisive World War II battle.
Fought in the air, the conflict changed naval warfare forever, being the first naval battle in which opposing ships didn’t see or fire on each other.
More than 600 Australian and American men and women lost their lives in the battle, which lasted from May 3 to 8, 1942.
US Consul General Christine Elder shared a message from Mr Biden during Sunday’s service, held by the Australian-American Association Gold Coast Division. She said the sacrifice of all who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea would always be remembered.
“Americans and Australians have always been there for one another and we always will be,” Ms Elder said.
“At a time when our region is once again challenged, when the ideals of democracy and freedom are being questioned, our alliance remains an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
“This enduring alliance is the legacy for those who fell and fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea.”
Quoting the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln, Moncrieff MP Angie Bell said the brave men and women involved would always be refought membered as giving “the last full measure of devotion”.
“We express our gratitude to our American friends who alongside us, we salute their courage and persistence and reflect with pride on our enduring alliance,” she said.
Rear Admiral Robert Clark, vice commander of the US 7th Fleet said the service was about remembering “those who came before us and made life the way it is now”.
Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek, Southport MP Rob Molhoek and Gold Coast councillors Bob La Castra, Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden and Darren Taylor were among those who attended.