HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Solomon Islands Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Philip Sukibuka joined U.S. Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Anthony Calegari and international partners at a repatriation ceremony for servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Guadalcanal Campaign, at Honiara International Airport on August 23, 2024.
A team from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (within the U.S. Department of Defense) departed with the remains in a C-17 cargo aircraft brought from Honolulu, Hawai’i for the express purpose of honorably bringing the fallen on their final journey home.
“This multinational team displayed tremendous dedication to uphold this certainty: that every U.S. service member and civilian who gave their life for our nation will not be forgotten. Regardless of how much time has passed, and no matter where on earth they remain, we will never forget the men and women who are lost,” said Chargé Calegari.
Chargé Calegari thanked the government and people of Solomon Islands for this shared effort, noting that “The sacrifices we shared more than 80 years ago forged an enduring partnership between our two nations. This repatriation ceremony illustrates our collective commitment to this important humanitarian mission and exemplifies the core values to which our people are equally committed.”
The Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, offered the opening prayer for the group of Solomon Islands Government officials and members of the international community.
Deputy Secretary for Culture and Tourism Sukibuka said that those gathered “bear witness to the homecoming of heroes—men who have rested in the embrace of our islands for decades, far from the shores of their homeland, far from the arms of their loved ones. Their absence has been felt deeply by families who have longed for closure, by comrades who remembered them in silence, and by all who cherish freedom and peace. Today, as we prepare to return these remains to their rightful resting place, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude and honor for their sacrifice.”
“To the United States, we express our gratitude for your continued efforts in locating and recovering these brave souls. Your commitment to leaving no one behind speaks volumes about the values your nation upholds. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of your armed forces and the love you hold for those who served,” Deputy Secretary Sukibuka continued. “We stand here today as witnesses to that history, acknowledging the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
The enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and the United States is grounded in shared history, which paves the way for a future of continued cooperation and reinforces the deep bond of friendship and commitment between the two nations.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) provides the fullest possible accounting for missing U.S. personnel to their families and the United States of America. DPAA strives to give U.S. POW/MIA families solace and answers by providing information about their loved ones’ service and ultimately their sacrifice. DPAA is determined to do all that is possible to bring these unaccounted-for Americans home. For more information about DPAA, please see https://www.dpaa.mil.
