SYDNEY (SBS / Pacific Media Watch): Solomon Islands' Second World War veterans could be recognised alongside Papua New Guinea's Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels under a proposal by Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Defence.
Senator David Feeney earlier this month led the Australian delegation to Honiara for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Guadalcanal, considered a turning point of the Pacific war.
Hundreds of members of the Solomon Island Defence Force served under Australian command beside European coastwatchers during the US-led campaign against the Japanese.
PNG's Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were recognised with a commemorative medal by the Australian government in 2008.
Senator Feeney has told Stefan Armbruster he sees no reason why the Solomon Island veterans should not receive the same acknowledgement.
Original SBS article and audio here.
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