Kiribati commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument in Betio, South Tarawa on Tuesday 22 November 2022.
The Battle of Tarawa was one of the first battles in the Pacific War during World War 2 and lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943. By the end of this campaign, nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died on the tiny island of Betio in the 76 hours of fighting. This earned its name as the bloodiest battles during World War 2.
The commemoration ceremony began with a traditional welcome from the elders of Betio, followed by a moving memorial remembrance service led by the Kiribati Uniting Church Deputy Moderator Reverend Tioti Timon.
In his address, President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau said “my wife and I have the great pleasure in joining you today to pay tribute to the US Servicemen and women, that have bravely fought for peace and harmony. While history cannot be changed, the bravery, courage and selfless determination of the fallen and of the survivors must forever be recognized and honoured”.
President Maamau shared that “by remembering, by telling our stories, we hope that their legacy becomes a source of inspiration for nations to forge peace with one another”.
In attendance was a delegation from the U.S Embassy in Suva Fiji led by Army Attaché Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, H.E. Andre Van Der Walt, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Timothy Gill, Deputy Mayor of Betio, Government officials and community elders.
Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock whilst acknowledging the commemoration said that “today, the United States is enhancing its commitment to Kiribati and the Blue Pacific, and I thank God that I am privileged enough to be part of that effort. Our shared past unites us, and our shared future will only make us stronger.” He thanked everyone present for their time today and for the opportunity to remember those who gave so much in the cause of freedom.
The event concluded with refreshments served by staffs and management of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).
