Battle Of Guadalcanal Commemoration

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today attended a memorial service in Solomon Islands to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Held at the United States War Memorial, the service honoured the Guadalcanal campaign, fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943, on and near the island of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Laying a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of Australia, Senator Feeney said he was honoured to participate in the service.

“The Battle of Guadalcanal was a decisive battle and it’s a tremendous honour to be here with a number of veterans and representatives from other nations,” he said.

While in Solomon Islands, Senator Feeney will also meet with Government officials from Solomon Islands, New Zealand and the United States.

“My thanks to the Government of Solomon Islands for hosting the Australian delegation and also to the United States for hosting this commemoration.

“This visit is an important chance for Australia to confirm our enduring commitment to bilateral Defence cooperation with Solomon Islands.

“Meeting with representatives from Solomon Islands, New Zealand and the US will give us an opportunity to discuss and explore the future and the gradual transition of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI),” Senator Feeney said.

Senator Feeney will also attend a memorial service on 9 August 2012 to honour the loss of HMAS Canberra along with eighty-four of her crew, including the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Frank Getting, RAN.

ENDS

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