US official praises friendship
THE US Consul General, Niels Marquardt, visited Ballina last Saturday for commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Coral Sea.
He attended the afternoon service at the Cenotaph Memorial Park, and read a letter from the US President, Barak Obama.
"The United States and Australia are long-time allies and steadfast partners; we've been friends for more than 100 years," Mr Marquardt said.
"We share a common past in a struggle against imperialism during World War II and the Battle of the Coral Sea.
"We look forward to honouring the courage of the Allies who fought in WWII and to remembering those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Five Japanese warships, including the aircraft carrier Shoho, were sunk and 43 aircraft destroyed in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Two Australian warships were involved in the battle - HMAS Australia and HMAS Hobart.
At the dinner following the service, Mr Marquardt praised Australians efforts to ensure the US airmen who didn't return to their bases in Far North Queensland during the war were not forgotten.
