by Ofani Eremae
No one is as proud as 86-year-old Cornelius Chris at today’s World War II 82nd anniversary event in Honiara.
Despite his physical frailties, Chris marched steadily to the podium as his name was called out to receive a medal awarded to his late father for his role as a scout during the war on Guadalcanal.
“I feel honoured and proud to receive this medal on behalf of my father,” Chris, who dressed up for today’s event in a black suit, said.
Chris’ father, Nicholas Kaboe, from Central Guadalcanal, worked as a medical doctor during the British Solomon Islands Protectorate days.
When war broke out on Guadalcanal between the Japanese and the Americans, Kavoe was recruited as a Scout/Medical Aid person.
In his role, he assisted the US Army by providing medical treatment to wounded soldiers, as well as burying those killed during the war.
At today’s ceremony, Kaboe and four other Solomon Islands scouts who have all since passed on, were awarded medals to honour their efforts. The medals, minted in Australia, were received by surviving relatives.
For Chris, the medal means so much to him, being the second born in his family of 10.
He said he was about two years old when the war broke out on Guadalcanal.
“My memory of the war was scarce, but I know my father did a lot to help the American soldiers at that time.
“So I am happy that his work has been finally recognised with this medal although he was not around to receive it,” he said.
Kaboe died in 1999, and Chris believed his father was 114 years of age at that time.
Today’s memorial event started at the US war monument at Skyline Ridge and ended at the Coastwatchers Monument, Commonwealth Street, Point Cruz.
Port Moresby-based United States ambassador to Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, Ann Marie Yastishock travelled over to Honiara to be part of the event.
Yastishock was joined by Governor General David Tiva Kapu, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Opposition leader Matthew Wale, government ministers and members of the diplomatic corp.
One of the speakers at today’s event was Regina Vouza, granddaughter of Sir Jacob Vouza, Solomon Islands’ most decorated WWII hero.
While paying tribute to her grandfather and other local scouts who served in the war, Vouza said for Solomon Islanders, Second World War was something started by foreigners…..and the reasons for that global conflict were unknown to them.
She highlighted the destruction and disturbance the war has caused to Solomon Islanders, and the lasting impacts it had left on their lives.
“When the war came to our country in 1942, my grandfather immediately volunteered for duty and undertook dangerous wartime work with the US Marines Corps, Australian Coastwatchers, and many other units,” Vouza said.
She added that her grandfather’s courage and loyalty to the country should be something young Solomon Islanders should seek to follow.
“Think of others before yourself.
“Be proud of our nation and its past. Be strong for freedom and justice for all who live in our sacred land.
“Follow the path of our customs, our traditions and our faith. This would be the legacy my grandfather would wish you to follow.”