ANZAC DAY IN TARAWA
No fly past - but some historical aviation content.
Here in (currently virus free) Kiribati we held a short service at the ADF Compound commencing at 0430, attended by those resident in Tarawa who had seen active service. The service was held in the Miss Bee Haven bar which overlooks the wreck of the USAAF B24 aircraft of the same name in Tarawa Lagoon.
Following the service we moved to the Coastwatcher’s memorial in Betio where wreaths were laid as the sun rose from the Pacific. The first wreath was placed by HE Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati. Although the formal ceremony had been cancelled some weeks ago, HE Taneti heard late on Friday that a small wreath laying ceremony would be held and made arrangements to attend. “I’ve always paid my respects on ANZAC Day and 2020 will not be an exception,” he told me. I would hazard a guess this was the only ANZAC ceremony world wide where the local Head of State attended. Of course, just as the ceremony commenced, the heavens opened up.
Following the wreath laying we returned to the ADF compound for a traditional gunfire breakfast and swapping of stories. During the breakfast we paused to hear the 0600 playing of the last post from the AWM.
MJG