US Charge d’Affairs, His Excellency, Daniel O’Hara and team received traditional welcome upon arrival at Tulagi wharf, for the 84th commemoration of US Landing at Blue Beach.
84th Anniversary of American Landing at Blue Beach, Tulagi, commemorated
08/08/2026 – Honiara, Solomon Islands; The 84th anniversary of the American landing at Blue Beach, Tulagi, on 7 August 1942, was commemorated on 08 August during the annual Tulagi cruise in Central Islands province.
The remembrance honoured the bravery and sacrifice of US Marines who landed at Blue Beach; the codename given by US forces, to the landing site on the western shore of Tulagi.
At 0800 hrs on 7 August 1942, two US Marine battalions landed at Blue Beach in a fierce resistance against Japanese forces that had established strong defensive positions on the island.
Heavy fighting continued through 8 August, ending after Japanese garrison was largely destroyed. More than 100 US servicemen were killed and many more wounded.
Today, Blue Beach remains an important World War II historical site in Solomon Islands. It reminds Solomon Islanders as a significant World War II sites, where the allied forces’ counter-offensive in the Pacific began.
The annual commemoration provides an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives during the war, reflect on the broader World War II campaign in the Solomon Islands, and recognise the peace that followed.
Speaking at the remembrance, US Chargé d’Affaires, His Excellency Daniel O’Hara reflected on the courage and sacrifice of US servicemen who fought and died during the Solomon Islands campaign.
“A war to free Solomon Islands and secure a free and open Pacific. And Solomon Islanders, Americans and allies together paid for the free Pacific that benefits us today,” he said.
The World War II campaign in the Solomon Islands also marked a pivotal chapter in the enduring relationship between the United States and Solomon Islands.
Central Islands Provincial Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Butafa said Blue Beach was the site where American forces landed and began the campaign to retake Tulagi from Japanese Imperial forces.
“The Americans who gave their lives for the best of us, from whom we ask everything of us today, not one thing in return, but to remember them.
“The chaos and confusion of the battle has yielded peace we embrace today,” he said.
The 84th commemoration of Blue Beach was organised by Travel Solomons with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The event brought together representatives from the US Embassy in Honiara, Valor Tours from the United States, staff of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, Travel Solomons, Central Islands provincial government and communities from Tulagi.
ENDs///////////////
At the background is Blue Beach, where American marine landed on 7th August 1942. The beach is right in front of McMahon Secondary School in Tulagi.
US Charge d’Affairs, His Excellency, Daniel O’Hara laying a wreath in honour of US marine, who sacrificed their life during the Blue Beach Landing at Tulagi.
Some members of Valor Tour Group, who attended the 84th commemoration of US Marine landing at Blue Beach, Tulagi.
Representatives of Central Islands provincial government who attended the 84th commemoration of the Blue Beach landing, recently held in Tulagi, Central province.
A cultural dance group performing during the reception held at Double Islands (Rua Kokomu) Resort, after the commemoration event.