Tuvalu marked Te Aso o te Paula (Bomb Day), the 82nd
anniversary of the bombing of Funafuti in 1943, on
Wednesday.
Pacnews agency reported it is a day of
remembrance, resilience, and has seen renewed calls for
peace.
On 23 April, 82 years ago, Japanese bombers
targeted Funafuti.
As the attack approached, around 50
locals had sought refuge inside a church.
Corporal
Fonnie Black Ladd, a US Marine stationed in Funafuti,
realised the church would likely be targeted and tried to
get the people to leave.
Cabinet Minister Simon Kofe
said he then took more direct action, “he fired his weapon
to force an evacuation. Moments later, the church was bombed
and destroyed. His actions saved many lives.”
Corporal
Ladd’s bravery earned him the Silver Star Medal, one of the
United States’ highest military honours.
The day is
commemorated each year through memorial services,
storytelling, and fatele dances, which preserve the lived
memories of war through Tuvaluan tradition and oral
history.
“Every year, we remember this day – Te Aso o
te Paula-through memorial services, stories, and fatele
dances that recount the experiences of our people during the
war. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most remote and
peaceful places, like Tuvalu, are not immune from the
impacts of global conflict,” Kofe said.
In a
reflection that echoes with current global challenges, Kofe
connected the past to present geopolitical
tensions.
“Looking at the state of the world today,
with rising tensions and growing uncertainty, this day
reminds us that war affects all of us.
“And it reminds
us why we must keep working for peace, justice and the
protection of all people – no matter how far away they may
seem.”
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