John F Kennedy (Eroni Kumana’s youngest son) wishes his message for Ambassador Caroline Kennedy may be handed to her before arriving in Honiara.
His message was compiled together by his nephews to take
with him to Honiara. Unfortunately, he cannot make it but asked that his
message may send over.
Fortunately, the Kumana family is lucky to have the 4th son
of Kumana John Koloni who resided at Honiara representing the family during Ambassador Caroline Kennedy's visit to Honiara.
His Message reads;
Dear Honorable Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.
On behalf of the entire Eron Kumana family, I would like to
take this opportunity with joy and highly appreciate it by welcoming you to the
Solomon.
Your job as US ambassador to Australia has brought you close
to where your father fought to save the Solomon Island and brought your
father's spirit to associate their wish to meet after WWII.
My father, Eroni Kumana has seen Maxwell Kennedy at Gizo,
Western Province. This has satisfied him to see one of the Kennedy family, and
today I and my brother Koloni represent the family of Kumana; we would like to
say, we have seen the face of the Late President Kennedy whom our father saved
during WWII.
Our father the late Eroni Kumana had displayed qualities in
life during his lifetime, with our family and as well as his own village. He is
known to be a good adviser, courageous person, very brave, Christian, and
hardworking father, he was humble and always wanted to live in peace with
everyone.
My father has an opportunity to have visitors from all over
the world during his time.
Most of them affirmed him for his famous story of the PT109
tragedy and classified him as a hero, but here in Solomon, he is just a
subsistence farmer and a fisherman.
However, seeing him as a rescuer of the US president, his
community thought of him as a resource person who would develop their
community. From that fact, he made promises.
Our late father wished that his dreams be fulfilled in the future,
even though he had died. His death has left us, especially our immediate family
with challenges; therefore, we try hard to highlight some of his
recommendations
However, he has given us comforting words to take courage
and continue to achieve things yet to be done and to live in peace with others.
Our immediate family of late Eroni Kumana wishes to extend
our words of appreciation and acknowledgment for recognizing and honoring our
father for the hard work and bravery he rendered in assisting your father
during WWII’s fierce and bloody battle in the western part of the Solomon.
The strong partnership they had become a historical event
and remains in the hearts of our immediate families. This relationship had made
us know each other until these days.
Once again, and on behalf, I would like to extend my thanks
to you for your visit, marking the 80th anniversary of the battle of
Guadalcanal. It was really an honor to have you with us, and your presence made
the celebration all the most memorable.
For our family, your decorous attendance at the celebration
reaffirms the true strength of Solomon Island American relations. To have such
a strong, productive relationship is a great source of reassurance.
Again, with visiting delegations, we believe the US is
stepping up efforts to push back against Chinese diplomatic inroads.
To conclude, we would like to show our heartfelt gratitude
and congratulate you on the remarkable progress you have made with Japan, and
we believe reopening the US office here in Honiara is a very positive sign to
strengthen the bilateral relations between Solomon Island and America.
Once again, and on behalf of the family, I John F Kennedy
(Namesake) represents the family of Eroni Kumana, and with my brother Koloni
have this opportunity to encounter you face to face and wish your visit to
Solomon Island a successful outcome.
May God richly Blessed your Days
(John F Kennedy)
