Caroline Kennedy, the United States ambassador to Australia, speaks with Nelma Ane at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the battle of Guadalcanal.

BY ALEX DADAMU

CAROLYN Kennedy, daughter of former United States President, John F Kennedy expressed her wish to re-visit the Solomon Islands soon.

Ms. Kennedy made the statement earlier this week when she was speaking at the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers commemoration service on Sunday, August 7.

Ms Kennedy met and presented medals to John Koloni, the son of Kumana, and Nelma Ane Biuku, daughter of Gasa.

She said During the Pacific Campaign, she and her family owe a personal debt of gratitude to Solomon Islander scouts, Aaron Kumana and Biuku Kasa who saved her father’s life.

“Thanks to them, he (John F Kennedy) and his crew survived the sinking of PT 109 and were able to return home and eventually run for president.

“I’m deeply touched to be here today, knowing that I might not be here if it were not for Aaron Kumana and Biuku Kasa.

“I looked forward to returning to the Solomon Islands with my children and showing them this part of our family history, which is so closely intertwined with this country, and telling them about the partnership we share with Solomon Islanders in the air since the war,” Ms. Kennedy expressed.

The Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers commemoration service included a touching personal moment as Caroline Kennedy, met with the children of two men who saved the life of her father, John F Kennedy, during the Second World War.

Ms. Kennedy met and presented medals to John Koloni, the son of Kumana, and Nelma Ane Biuku, daughter of Gasa on Sunday.

Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Commemoration.

“We’re here today not only to express our gratitude to those who sacrifice during the war but also to those who established peace and worked for the years and decades that followed to bring our nation closer.

“It’s our way to honor those who came before us and to work and do our best to leave a legacy for those who follow.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here