Battle of Tarawa
05 October 2010 | Tarawa, Gilbert Island Group, Kiribati
Joan
We visited the World War II memorials along with all the bunkers, guns, and other relics. The Battle of Tarawa was an event that should not be forgotten. Thousands of US Marines and Japanese soldiers lost their lives over this atoll. The local folks also suffered greatly. When the Japanese took over the atoll they gathered up all the missionaries and dignitaries and killed them all. They removed the rest of the people to outer atolls. It sure was a sad time for all people. When the battle was over, the atoll had only a handful of palm trees left. Now, only 67 years later, it's green and lush; people everywhere, and the battle scars and equipment slowly rusting away as the memory of that terrible time dims. We have certainly enjoyed our stay here. The people are very friendly. We will hold a special place in our hearts for the folks we've met here. We met a gentleman from the southern most atoll, Aroroe over a fine lunch. Now we regret not being able to visit Aroroe, but he did get us very interested in thinking about a nice long visit in the Solomons! This is what makes cruising so enjoyable, the people we meet....and difficult because as we go along we learn about other "must see" places! I guess we can't see it all....but we can sure try!