Remembers

New Guinea Also

which began with the landing of the US forces in August, 1942”, The returning Marine veterans then unveiled a plaque on a cement base which they had brought with them from Hawaii, and which read: “On this spot on August 7, 1967, a wreath was laid by representatives of the US Marine Corps in reverent memory of the sacrifice of the heroic men of all the nations, arms and services who took part in the battle for Guadalcanal and the liberation of the Solomons a quarter of a century earlier”.

The Marine party was led by Colonel Stanley N. McLeod, C.O. of the Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbour. He and the others all served on Guadalcanal—one of them, Sgt.-Major John Lossie, being only 17 at the time. Since World War II most of the men have also seen action in Korea, and some in Viet nam.

They were given a very warm welcome during their sentimental journey. Their aircraft also carried a crew of 10 and two photographers.

They were accommodated at the Hotel Mendana, Blum’s Hometel and in private homes. Twenty three Solomon Islander exservicemen turn ed on some hospitality arranged by Solomon Dakei, who these days is an X-ray technician in Honiara.

The Navy aircraft left Henderson at 9.15 a.m. on August 8, circling Honiara before heading into the clouds for Hawaii. The Marines had remembered.

The Papua-New Guinea Department of Posts and Telegraphs didn't forget the 25th anniversary of the war in P-NG, either. In August it issued a set of four stamps to commemorate some aspects of the fighting there. The denominations of 2c, 5c, 20c and 50c feature the battles of Milne Bay, the Kokoda Trail, the Coastwatchers and the Coral Sea.