ADDRESS TO 65 ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION SERVICE OF THE CORAL SEA BATTLE

_{06 May, 2007}

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Each year we gather on the shores of the Coral Sea here in Cardwell to pay homage to those Australian & American seamen and airmen who 65 years ago offered their lives to protect our country, our democracy and the freedoms we enjoy.

Of all the major commemoration services we hold in Australia each year, this commemoration service recognises an event which could have had a direct impact on Australia.

Whilst commemorations of Anzac Day, Kapyong Day and Long Tan Day all recognise very significant battles in which Australian troops bravely and courageously fought, they are all in far away places quite distant from our country.  In commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea we recognise that the Japanese battle fleet was on its way to Port Moresby and had they succeeded they would have been in a position to isolate Australia and its life lines to India and the US.  Whilst hindsight has shown that it was not an invasion fleet heading for our shores having an enemy ensconced at Port Moresby would have put North Australia in daily risk of attacks.

We commemorate not only those who gave their lives but also those who survived but whose limbs and souls were devastated in the horrific battle that took place a couple of thousand  kilometres east of this point between 4th and 8th May, 1942.    While the brunt of the battle was fought by US servicemen, Australian seamen on the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia captained by Capt H B Famcomb and the light cruiser HMAS Hobart captained by Cap H Howden played a very significant role in ensuring Japanese ships did not exit the Jombard Passage towards Moresby.  Their presence in this area was important in influencing the decision by the Japanese Commander to turn back the Moresby landing force on May 7th.

The Americans lost the aircraft carrier Lexington, an oiler and destroyer and 66 aircraft. 543 men were killed or wounded.  Japanese losses were greater although there was no real victor of the Battle.  The significance of the Battle was the abandonment by the Japanese of the Moresby invasion plans.

  Anzac Day grows in esteem and public participation every year and I would like to see the day when the significance of the Battle of the Coral Sea is as well recognised as the commemoration of the landing at Gallipoli.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a stark reminder to Australia that we needed willing friends and allies to help us in dangerous times and this Battle marked the real beginning of a very close and strong relationship between the US and Australia which endures today.

Twenty-three years ago a group of dedicated, committed people in this town had the vision of creating a permanent commemoration to those who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea at a point on the mainland of Australia closest to where the battle occurred.

Those people who had that vision and turned that vision into reality have many commonalities with those who fought in the battle.  The Cardwell group exhibited the same determination and mateship in building the Park as those who fought to stop the Japanese advance.

In doing so that group of people in Cardwell created something new, different and quite unique. 

What was scrub and bushland has turned into this magnificent park with this permanent memorial to the Battle of the Coral Sea and I will forever honour those who turned this vision into reality.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was also unique in that for the first time a major naval battle occurred without the opposing ship’s coming within sight of each other.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first naval battle fought entirely by carrier and shore based aircraft and not by ships.

The number of people here today joining in this commemoration is a clear indication of the importance which this community and indeed North Queensland gives to the Battle of the Coral Sea and its commemoration 65 years after the event.

It is pleasing to see the contingent from HMAS Cairns leading the parade – and we are honoured with the attendance of the 1st Battalion RAR Band whose excellence always lends a special note to the Annual March and Commemoration.

The attendance of Commander Jenny Daetz from HMAS Cairns and Squadron Leader Kate Carlisle representing the RAAF demonstrates the Defence Force support for this commemoration. 

It is also pleasing to see so many veterans and community leaders like The Hon Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, Andrew Cripps, Member for Hinchinbrook, Cr Barry Lamb and Cr Lorraine Cripps from the Cardwell Shire and Cr Sherry Karilla from the Hinchinbrook Shire joining the commemoration service.

I'd like to mention two people. Mentioning names is always a trap but I would like to particularly mention Noelene Byrne and Ann Mealing.  These two ladies have worked tirelessly for many years to make sure this event continues and improves.  I well remember their and their group's enthusiasm seventeen years ago when I first saw this area and heard of their vision and commitment

We are forever indebted to the United States for the gallantry of their servicemen – and to those Australian sailors and other defence personnel who in this and other action around the Australian coast kept Australia safe from Japanese invasion.

This Commemoration Service is not about glorifying the battle but is about celebrating the peace and freedoms we enjoy as a result of the gallant efforts of those who gave their lives 65 years ago in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

We must always remember those who have made Australia what it is today by defending and protecting our freedoms and lifestyle.

Lest we Forget

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