Brookdale’s Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution will honor “The Greatest Generation” with a Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal on Saturday, October 13, from 10 AM - 3P M in the Warner Center
History will come alive with actual veterans from the conflict, including distinguished veterans Thomas J. Mahoney of Union, Paul Ryan of New York City, and Albert R. Petro of Toms River. Members of the 4th Amphibious Tractor Battalion will be recognized. Displays, exhibits and pre-program entertainment start at 10:00 a.m.
Featured guest speakers will include Dr. David Ulbrich, Command Historian, U.S. Army Engineer School, and author of “Preparing for Victory: Thomas Holcomb and the U.S. Marines 1936-1943.” Also speaking will be Major Michael Ogden, Commander, Marine Recruitment Command, NJ.
The Battle of Guadalcanal is now seen as a major turning point in the Pacific theater, from which Japan never recovered - although the cost was heavy.
Following the fall of the Philippine Islands to the Japanese in the spring of 1942, the Battle of Guadalcanal was the first real test of land strength between Japan and the US.
Seven major naval battles, combined with the determination of the marines and army units ashore, eventually brought victory for the American forces. It was a bloody and protracted struggle for the steamy, malaria-ridden, rain sodden island in the Solomon Islands off of Australia that began on August 7, 1942, and continued until January 1943.
The 70th Anniversary Commemoration is free to all, and groups are welcome. To assist in planning for the event, especially for groups attending or those requesting special seating, please pre-register by calling 732-224-2315.
