Today, I extend warm greetings to the people of Australia as we mark the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea—a momentous event in our shared struggle against oppression, which stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between our two nations.
During the peak of World War II, American and Australian forces engaged in four grueling days of combat against enemy naval and aerial assaults in the Coral Sea. Through remarkable bravery, steadfast determination, and perhaps a touch of divine intervention, our Allied troops managed to thwart a significant enemy advance for the first time in the Pacific Theatre. They also achieved the remarkable feat of sinking an enemy aircraft carrier, marking a crucial turning point that would ultimately lead to the enemy’s downfall.
As we reflect on this historic battle, we honor the 656 Allied service members who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The valor of these fallen heroes not only shifted the tide of war but also cemented a robust bond between the United States and Australia—a friendship that remains vital to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region today.
On this day, we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who fought valiantly at the Coral Sea, while solemnly remembering those who gave their lives to ensure a future imbued with freedom. Their legacy will forever resonate in our hearts, and our nations will remain eternally grateful.
