Community
2 April, 2022
Commemorating 80 years since the Battle of the Coral Sea
THIS year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, with commemorative events happening in Cardwell on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, to remember, reflect and respect the service members who lost their lives for the cause of freedom.
The weekend reflections include a remembrance service held on Sunday at the Coral Sea Memorial Park.
On Saturday, the evening prior, a dinner and dance event will be held in style reminiscent of the social events during wartime, with the community coming together to enjoy a night of celebration and dance.
The Battle of the Coral Sea is memorialised annually in Cardwell and remembers an air and naval Battle fought between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the U.S. and Australian Naval Forces at a critical stage of the Second World War, from May 4 to 8, 1942.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said the annual event allows for community reflection and remembrance of those service men’s alliances and shared sacrifices.
“Each year, Cardwell’s community and service members pay their respects by laying wreaths and sharing reflections on the sacrifices made by our American allies in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the subsequent freedoms that we enjoy today,” Cr Nolan said.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the volunteers, committee, Council staff, sponsors and community members involved in coordinating the events.”
On Sunday, May 1, the official ceremony is at the Coral Sea Memorial Park in Cardwell at 10am.
The Battle of the Coral Sea dinner dance event will be held on Saturday, April 30, starting at 7pm at the Cardwell Community Hall, Brasenose Street.
Tickets can be purchased for $40pp online via https://bit.ly/3LtgcoF, Cardwell Library and Council Customer Service Centres.
For more information regarding Battle of the Coral Sea event updates, please visit Council’s Facebook page https://bit.ly/3wRdjK3 and the Battle of the Coral Sea Facebook page https://bit.ly/36MlgFM
