BY NED GAGAHE
The United States and Solomon Islands commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Guadalcanal on Thursday, August 7, 2025 with two official ceremonies of which were at Skyline Ridge Memorial and the “Pride of Our Nation” monument along Commonwealth Street.
These events honour the courage and sacrifice of Allied forces and Solomon Islanders who fought in the Pacific during World War II.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele attended both ceremonies and laid wreaths in tribute to the fallen.
Each year, the US and its Allies commemorate the battle to remember those who served and to reflect on the legacy of peace their sacrifices created.
The first event was the sunrise ceremony at the World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial at Skyline.
The ceremony included speeches, laying of wreaths, and a moment of silence.
Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, US military personnel, and tour groups from the United States, Japan and Australia attended the ceremony.
US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock described the battle as a powerful bond between the U.S. and Solomon Islands.
“Eighty-three years after US Marines landed on the shores of Guadalcanal – and many paid the ultimate price – these events continue to unite our nations,” she said.
She said as time passes, memories and understanding of what happened begin to fade.
“This includes the challenges faced by the servicemembers and their families, both those who died here and those who returned home,” she added.
Ambassador Yastishock said the American people continue to honour the commitment and heroism of those who served.
US Marine Corps Col Jason Armas, Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, said the Guadalcanal campaign marked a turning point in the Pacific and changed the course of history.
“Eighty-three years ago today, US Marines landed here during a time of darkness and uncertainty.
“What followed was six months of intense combat on land, sea, and air to stop enemy advances and secure a free and open Pacific,” he said.
He said Guadalcanal became the proving ground of the modern Marine Corps, and its legacy lives on in today’s Marines.
Armas praised the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers for their critical role.
“This was never a fight fought alone,” he said.
“Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers provided intelligence, guided troops, rescued airmen, and carried messages — often at great personal risk. Many gave their lives. Our shared struggle forged an enduring bond between our peoples.”
After the ceremony at Skyline, guests gathered at the “Pride of Our Nation” monument for the second event.
The Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust (SSCW), founded in 2011, organized the ceremony to recognise the bravery and sacrifice of Solomon Islanders during one of the Pacific’s most decisive battles.
The monument, crafted by Frank Haiku SIM, was officially unveiled by former Governor General Sir Frank Kabui on August 7, 2011. It stands at the seafront end of Commonwealth Street.
Prime Minister Manele, Acting Governor General Patteson Oti and Madam Oti, along with ministers, diplomats, US military officials, and visiting tour groups, attended the second ceremony.
Professor Dr Martin Hadlow from the University of Queensland delivered the keynote address. A founding member of SSCW, Dr. Hadlow formerly managed SIBC and has worked for decades to preserve the country’s wartime history.
Armas also delivered a tribute at the second ceremony.
“Today, we remember not only the valor of the marines who landed here, but also the extraordinary courage of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers who aided the Allies,” he said.
He explained how Coastwatchers, mostly Australian and Allied personnel, tracked enemy movements and shared vital intelligence. Solomon Scouts, drawn from local communities, worked behind enemy lines to support Allied troops.
At the ceremony, the Australian Defense Attaché, Captain Emma Griffiths, presented medals to the families of seven late Solomon Scouts in recognition of their wartime service.
The medals were minted in Australia, where the Coastwatcher initiative originated under the Royal Australian Navy.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, the U.S. Colour Guard, and members of the Solomon Islands Scouts Association delivered a formal parade and guard of honour.
The Battle of Guadalcanal, which lasted from August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943, marked the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific and a crucial turning point in World War II.
The battle halted Japanese expansion and secured the Solomon Islands as a strategic foothold for the Allies.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
