The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) collaborated with the U.S Embassy in Suva, Fiji to organize the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in Betio, South Tarawa on November 22, 2023.
In a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument, The President of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau and First Lady Teiraeng Maamau were joined by the U.S Ambassador to Kiribati, Her Excellency Marie Damour to pay their respect and remember the lives lost and affected by the Battle of Tarawa between the U.S and Japan Forces from 20 – 23 November 1943.
While addressing attendees, H.E Taneti Maamau said ”the Battle of Tarawa will long be remembered as the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign of WWll, where more than 5,000 lives were lost in just 4 days”. He added “only the veterans and civilians who were involved right here on this battle ground can explain the grinding realities that they had to endure in order for us to remain free to live our lives and proposer”.
In her speech, Ambassador Marie Damour said, “the Battle of Tarawa is remembered because of the extraordinary courage displayed by the U.S. Marines who fought here and the remarkable devotion of the Japanese defenders who died here.”
The commemoration also honoured an unidentified Marine whose remains was exhumed by member of History Flight, a Non-Profit organization dedicated to researching, recovering and repatriating America’s service members back to United States of America
Also in attendance were U.S. Government officials, representatives of the U.S Embassy in Suva, Fiji, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Veterans and families of the fallen Marines, Kiribati Government and Betio town council representatives.
TAK acknowledges that remembering the Battle of Tarawa is crucial for preserving history, honouring the contributions of veterans, learning valuable lessons, fostering cultural identity, and promoting a global perspective that emphasizes peace and cooperation. Visitors to Tarawa are encouraged to visit WWll relics and sites around Betio for a better insight and understanding of this important part of Kiribati’s History.
