The Stanthorpe commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea were honoured with visits from two Australian admirals and a United States consulate counsellor.
The Naval Wall of Remembrance was unveiled by Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Michael Noonan. Local children were included in the first flag-raising at the memorial as a symbol of handing our history to the next generation.
In introducing the children, NAA Qld Executive Ross Wiseman said our history “becomes their history for them to carry forward as part of their lives.”
At the celebration dinner at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, Vice Chief of Defence Forces in Australia, reminded everyone of the role of the navy in protecting our freedoms.
US Consul representative Douglas Wallace used trade relations, including tourism, to show how the friendships forged between Australia and the United States have expanded over the last 75 years.
He read a letter to the audience from President Donald Trump that clearly indicated that the friendships forged between the United States and Australia will continue into the future.
President of the Stanthorpe and District Naval Association president Norm Gale said he and his members couldn’t have been prouder of the events of the day.
“We think this is the only inland commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea,” Mr Gale said.
“Having Admirals Griggs and Noonan visiting along with US Counsellor Wallace shows that the navy is important in country areas as well and that all Australians are proud of being Australia and our history.”
“We had so many other special guests from the military, from Federal departments and, of course our local and state politicians, that it was a great day for Stanthorpe and our district.”
