Seventy two years ago, during the period 4–8 May 1942, the tide of battle in the Pacific turned when a combined force of United States and Australian warships halted the Japanese push towards Australia.
This was the first time that the Japanese had been halted during their relentless push through the Pacific and this battle was to be called ‘the battle that turned the war in the Pacific and saved Australia.’
A number of commemorative services were held to recognise this important battle on Sunday.
Lieutenant Commander Steven Reynolds, in his position as the President of the Tuggerah Lakes Sub Section of the Naval Association of Australia, officiated at the Central Coast’s commemorative service at The Entrance, New South Wales.
The service was honoured to have Ms Mary Pellegrini, who is the United States of America’s Vice Consul to Sydney, as Guest of Honour. The Federal member for Dobell, Mrs Karen McNamara, the Mayor of Wyong, Councillor Doug Eaton, and Captain Colin Dagg also attended. The very distinguished group laid wreaths to commemorate the souls who lost their lives during the battle.
During the service, Ms Pellegrini read out a personal letter from the President of the United States, emphasising the significance of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the ongoing importance of the alliance between the United States and Australian military, and the people of both countries.
Several other commemorative ceremonies were held around the country this week, including a formal ceremony at the Australian Defence Force Headquarters in Canberra on Thursday.
[mappress] Press Release, May 9, 2014; Image: Australian Navy