The White House
Washington
April 26, 2017
I am honoured to join with people of Australia in remembering the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
In May 1942, the United States Navy was still recovering from the attack on Pearl Harbor, and opposing forces were on the offensive across the Pacific. The United States Navy sent two aircraft carriers – half of the allied carrier fleet in the Pacific – to join with Australian ships and intercept the advance in the Coral Sea. By combining our forces, we fought shoulder to shoulder, halted the advance, and preserved the security of Australia. The cost was tremendous: 656 Americans and Australians gave their lives to protect Australia. The benefits, however, were also tremendous: the battle led to the strong and important alliance between the United States and Australia, formalised by treaty in 1951.
On this 75th anniversary, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of those American and Australian heroes. They continue to inspire us as our two great nations cooperate to defeat terror and preserve peace and security around the world.
Melania and I send our best wishes to the wonderful people of Australia on this important occasion.
Sincerely,
Donald Trump.
