Australian, American World War II heroes remembered

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Cristina Bates | Australian army Cpl. Steve Wooler, band liaison officer, renders a salute during the playing of The Last Post by the Salvation Army Band at St. Christopher's Chapel, July 4. A memorial service is held every year to honor the thousands of Australian and American service members who were killed in World War II. More than 22,000 Australian and U.S. service members are preparing to partake in Exercise Talisman Saber 2009, a biennial combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations, which will help improve ADF/U.S. combat readiness and inter-operability.  

NERIMBERA, QL, AUSTRALIA

07.04.2009

Story by Cpl. Cristina Bates 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

NERIMBERA, QUEENSLAND, Australia— Thousands of Australian and U.S. service members who fought side-by-side during World War II were honored during a memorial service at the St. Christopher's Chapel here.

Members of the Rockhampton community gathered with Australian and U.S. troops to pay tribute to those men and women the chapel has come to represent.

"This place was a spiritual refuge for men scarred by war and for those seeking religious guidance as they prepared to hit the front lines. It represents the sacrifices thousands of men made for their countries over 40 years ago," said U.S. Army and World War II veteran Jack Fleming. "This is how we remember those who didn't come home."

At the peak time of American presence in Rockhampton, more than 70,000 American troops were present.

During the time, several chaplains saw a need for a chapel and as a result, the U.S. Army's 542nd Engineer Ship and Shore Battalion was commissioned to build a chapel in a serene location.

In late 1943 St. Christopher's Chapel was completed and was consecrated as a place of worship. Since then, veterans and the local community have preserved the chapel to remember the sacrifices of thousands of Australian and U.S. service members who paid the ultimate price.

It also represents the close alliance between the two countries.

"This is also a symbol of an enduring relationship between men and women of both countries. A lot of relationships have been maintained since World War II," said Ian Power, an Australian army and Vietnam War veteran. "U.S. and Australian forces have maintained a mutual respect since fighting in Korea and Vietnam. It's going strong today in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Power also expressed his support for Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 and the importance of military training.

"What a lot of people don't understand is that Talisman Saber is not intended to harm anyone or anything," said Power. "As a soldier, I know that I train to ensure my survival and the survival of every soldier thrown into combat to defend their governments. Why protest against that?"

Those feelings were mutual among many attendees who erupted in cheers.

"I couldn't have said it better myself. I think he spoke for each and every one of us here in saying that," said Col. Steven L. Merrill, TS09 joint task force forward/rear officer-in-charge.

Merrill took the time to get to know members of the community and learn more about and how much the Australia-U.S. alliance means to them.

"It's interesting to learn about the connections to the U.S. here. This is a great opportunity to meet the people who've been here since World War II and supported us and welcomed us back since then," said Merrill.

Today, those ties to the U.S. remain strong and are reflected among Rockhampton citizens.

Marie Hampton, a resident of Yeppoon, immigrated to Australia from Colorado 35 years ago. Since then, she has seen the great amount of support Australians show towards Americans.

Hampton welcomed the opportunity to show her support and love for her native country, especially since her granddaughter is serving in the U.S. Army.

"I keep my American heritage very close to my heart. I love being a part of events that celebrate that and especially seeing the U.S. troops here for the exercise," said Hampton. "Anything our young men and women can do to become better trained and equipped is a worthy effort in my book."

TS09 is a biennial combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations, which will help improve ADF/US combat readiness and interoperability.

• Date Taken: 07.04.2009
• Date Posted: 07.07.2009 02:44
• Story ID: 36054
• Location: NERIMBERA, QL, AU