Noting a significant date

I admit I have been remiss in not remembering a significant date in the history of the War in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Two days ago, February 9, 2009, was the 66th anniversary of the end of the Battles for Guadalcanal. On February 9, 1943, the Americans raised their flag to signify they had secured Guadalcanal from Japanese occupation. The Japanese Navy evacuated the last Japanese soldier alive from that island one day before. Thus, one of the bloodiest and hardest-fought six-month periods in military history ended.

Let us remember all those brave soldiers, sailors, and marines who never left that place and rest in peace and honor in the soil and beneath the waters surrounding that island.

Ken Friedman