A remembrance service was recently held onboard the Golden Princess on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, according to a press release.
Guests and crew alike paused for the service to remember those who died in the battle.
The battle raged from May 4-8 in 1942 and was the first clash to halt the advance of Japanese forces.
“Golden Princess’ current itinerary to Papua New Guinea and South Pacific destinations placed the ship off the far north coast of Queensland between Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands on the 75th anniversary of the climactic day of the Battle of the Coral Sea,” said Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison.The ships HMAS Australia and HMAS Hobart, were part of the joint US and Australian naval force during the battle.
“The Battle of the Coral Sea was a pivotal moment in history and paved the way for the alliance between Australia and the United States, which endures to this day. For our Australian and American guests, the remembrance service was an opportunity to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice at a time of great peril for Australia,” Allison said.
“But it is also comforting for our guests in knowing that with the passage of time the protagonists in the battle are now firm friends and international allies.”
In 1942, Australian Prime Minister John Curtin made a historic statement to the Parliament.
“A great naval battle is proceeding in the southwest Pacific area,” Curtin told Parliament. “Nobody can tell what the result of the engagement may be. If it should go advantageously, we shall have cause for great gratitude and our position will then be a little clearer. But if we should not have the advantages from this battle for which we hope, all that confronts is a sterner ordeal, a greater and graver responsibility.”
War veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces played a central role during the remembrance service.
“It was a privilege for Golden Princess to be in vicinity of the Battle of the Coral Sea for the 75th anniversary and an honor to pay tribute to brave sailors and airmen who secured our freedom,” Allison said.
