May 5, 2019 - Trump pays tribute to battle in our backyard
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The President of the United States of America Donald Trump personally paid tribute to the Cassowary Coast’s Battle of the Coral Sea commemoration at the weekend.
US Naval Attaché to Australia Captain Tony De Frias delivered the personal message from President Trump which spoke about the remembrance and reflected upon the 77th Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
“We remember the heroic brave defenders who gave their lives for our freedom, our nations and the world will forever be grateful for their sacrifice,” Trump’s message conveyed.
President Trump also stated that the Battle of the Coral Sea demonstrated the strong relationship between the United States and Australia, which has continued to promote peace and prosperity around the world for more than a century
The 77th commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea, held on Sunday May 5, was hailed a success by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and volunteer organisations who helped make the event possible.
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Glenn Raleigh said there were more than 150 people who joined the march and included ex-service men and women, community figures and school children.
“Over 400 people attended the event itself, with people laying wreaths in remembrance,” said Cr Raleigh.
“It was a great day had by all and I would like to thank CCRC Council officers and the volunteer groups for being the driving force in the community who ensured the day went without a hitch.”
The Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration as an annual event that remembers a naval battle marking the first defeat of Japanese forces during the Second World War. Fought between May 4 and 8, 1942 the Battle of the Coral Sea was significant as the first navel battle fought where the opposing forces did not fire upon each other and were not in sight of the enemy. Japanese Zeros and American Wildcats were launched from aircraft carriers to seek the other out and wage the battle.
It was also the first joint military action carried out by Australian and United States forces. The USS Lexington sunk on May 8, 1942 now lies on the seabed 800 kilometres east of Cardwell.
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