Have you noticed the poignant stillness that surrounds us here at the Pride of Our Nation Memorial? This memorial stands as a tribute to the Solomon Islanders’ bravery during World War II. It especially honors those who served as scouts and coast watchers.
The Pride of Our Nation Memorial was unveiled in Honiara. It marked the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal’s start. Commissioned by a local trust, it ensures their war service is remembered. It also fosters national pride.
These scouts played a vital role. They kept the coast watchers safe. The scouts gathered information on enemy movements. This information was fed back to the coast watchers. They then passed it to Australia. Vital intelligence was gained. US Navy Commander Halsey even said that without the coast watchers and scouts, there would have been no Guadalcanal. Without Guadalcanal, there would have been no success in the Pacific.
The monument was created by carver Mr. Haikiu. It was erected in Point Cruz. The Pride of Our Nation Memorial arose in 2013. It recognizes the crucial role played by the people of the Solomon Islands. This was during the most fateful days of World War II.
But monuments about Solomon Islanders are harder to find. Many monuments are scattered about the island today. They are testimony to American heroism. Guadalcanal is a place of tragedy for the Japanese. Their more modest monuments convey mourning. The Pride of Our Nation Memorial and another memorial recognize Solomon Islanders. These represent these individuals concerning American needs. Neither represents the Solomon experience of the war as deserving of attention in its own right.
World War II was formative to Solomon Island’s national identity. On the eve of the war, the Solomons were a protectorate rather than a colony. The British exploited its resources without creating unifying structures like an education system.
During the war, coastal people fled inland. Men heard about the pay provided by Americans. They migrated to Guadalcanal. They acted as stevedores and scouts. Solomon people from different islands mingled. They formed their first sense as a collective nation with its own identity. After the war, the village of Honiara on Guadalcanal became the country’s capital. This was because of the wartime infrastructure built by Americans.
The Pride of Our Nation Memorial features a white European coast watcher. He stands upright with binoculars. He scans the horizon. Three local scouts surround him. They assist him.
Take a moment to reflect on their courage. Remember their sacrifices. The Pride of Our Nation Memorial stands as a reminder of their contribution. It also shows the birth of a nation.