U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock hosted the 83rd Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the Battle of Guadalcanal at the World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial, August 7, 2025.
Ambassador Yastishock noted that these events “continue to indelibly bond the United States and Solomon Islands” even though “as years pass, memories and understanding of what occurred here fade. This includes the challenges faced by the servicemembers and their families, both those who died here and those who returned home. The commitment and heroism of these brave young people continues to attract appreciation of the American people, and all those who remember.”
The Ambassador recognized the continuing work of the U.S. Defense Prisoner-of-War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA), which is searching around Guadalcanal for remains of fallen U.S. servicemembers, “to provide the fullest possible accounting to their families and to hopefully bring our heroes home.”
The U.S. and its Allies commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal annually, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of those who served, and highlighting the enduring legacy of their victory. This year’s event began with a sunrise ceremony at the World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara which included keynote speakers, a wreath laying, and a moment of silence for the fallen.
“Guadalcanal became the proving ground of the modern Marine Corps, where courage, sacrifice, and perseverance were etched into our identity and continue to live on in the Marines,” reflected U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason Armas, commanding officer, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.
“But this was never a fight fought alone. The bravery of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers were integral to victory. Coastwatchers, often Australian and Allied personnel, provided critical intelligence and early warnings of enemy movements.
“Alongside them and drawn from local communities, the Solomon Scouts guided Allied forces through dense terrain, rescued downed airmen, carried messages across dangerous waters, and fought as guerrilla fighters against a determined adversary. Many risked and gave their lives in these efforts and an enduring bond between our peoples was forged in that shared struggle.”
The commemoration highlights the strong and growing partnership between the United States and the Solomon Islands. Both nations are committed to enhancing their collaboration in regional security and mutual support.
“Every branch of our armed forces fought here—soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and even Coast Guardsmen,” said Ryan Blum, Superintendent, Manila American Cemetery, American Battle Monuments Commission. “To this day, units from the Marine Corps and Army proudly honor the legacies forged on these beaches, and in these very hills that surround us.”
The Battle of Guadalcanal, which took place from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943, was a critical turning point in World War II’s Pacific Theatre. As the first major offensive by Allied forces in the Pacific, the battle aimed to stop Japanese expansion by gaining control of the strategically vital Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands.
- US Embassy
Photos by Agnes Menanopo of Solomon Star.
