Had it not been for two men in a small canoe over seventy years ago, the world may not have ever known the name John F. Kennedy said US Defense Attaché Commander Dan Balsinger.
During the unveiling of John F. Kennedy’s PT109
monument on Lubaria Island in Rendova last week, the Commander speaking on
behalf of the United States of America said they are deeply grateful for the
actions of Eroni Kumana and Biuku Gasa that fateful August day in 1943.
“We thank you for your friendship, and we thank you
for this great honor to our 35th President, John F. Kennedy.
“Again a great and mighty U.S. Navy ship will bear the
name and carry on the legacy of President John F. Kennedy,” he said citing the
first naval ship has been decommissioned in 2007.
He closed with a quote from the late President; “The
cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path
we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.”
At the ceremony, Commander Balsinger also met up with
one of late Biuku’s son Rex Biuku.
He also met up with a one of the forgotten native in
the Presidents’ version son of Ingolo Goete, claimed to be one of the head
scouts that helped in the rescue effort in the Kolombangara waters.
