Monument Details

New Zealand Plaque of Gratitude -US Navy and US Marine Corps

<< Back to Tarawa- Betio Island Northside Beach

Details:

Attached to the seawall near a beached boat Plaque A brass inscribed plaque.

The plaque displays the gratitude of the citizens of New Zealand for the US Forces that were stationed there prior to the invasion of Tarawa. The 2nd Marine Division and many US Naval units lived in New Zealand forming friendships prior to the November 1943 landings at Tarawa.

Monument Text:

Our friends the

U.S. Marines of the Second Marine Division

and U.S. Navy Personnel

left New Zealand-their home away from home-

in October 1943

for these shores in defence of freedom and liberty

This park is dedicated 70 years later to

their memory and the sacrifice they made

We will not forget

Unveiled by New Zealand High Commissioner to Kiribati,

H. E. Michael Walsh

20 November 2013

Commemorates:

Units:

2nd Marine Division

United States Marine Corps

United States Navy

Wars:

WWII

Battles:

Battle of Tarawa

Operation Galvanic

Pacific Theater

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