Their visit coincided with the 67th anniversary of Operation Hailstone and Peace Memorial Ceremony on Feb. 18.
Accompanying Ambassador Prahar was Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, the U.S. Defense Representative for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
Also in attendance were Lt. Gov. Johnson Elimo, Weno Deputy Mayor Pintas Kenneth, and World War II veterans.
Although Operation Hailstone removed the Japanese military threat from Chuuk Lagoon, Ambassador Prahar explained that “[this ceremony] is not a commemoration of a great victory won by U.S. forces in the Pacific. It is, instead, a peace commemoration [meant to prompt us to] reflect on the war and its aftermath.”
With this reflection in mind, he noted that “coming out of the death and destruction of a terrible war was a commitment by the United States to help the people of Micronesia achieve a better life. In fulfillment of this commitment, the United States has been a development partner of the people of Micronesia — together, in partnership — for over 60 years, and still counting.”
Following the remarks, he joined Elimo and Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteer Takae Kasahara in placing memorial wreaths in Chuuk Lagoon.
On Feb. 17, 1944 the U.S. Navy launched Operation Hailstone on Japanese forces harbored in Chuuk Lagoon. Over two days, 45 Japanese ships and over 270 aircraft were destroyed and thousands of Japanese servicemen died. Americans and Micronesians also died in the fighting.
In addition to Friday’s memorial event, Ambassador Prahar met with education administrators and visited public and private schools and College of Micronesia-Chuuk Campus.
On Feb. 15 he met with Chuuk State Director of Education Gardenia Aisek to discuss public school reform efforts.
The following day ambassador and Mrs. Prahar visited numerous public schools on islands in Chuuk Lagoon: Udot Elementary and Middle School, Fanapanges Elementary School, South Nomoneas Elementary School on Fefen, South Nomoneas High School on Tonoas, and Iras Elementary School on Weno.
On Feb. 17, the ambassador and Mrs. Prahar participated in the Berea Christian School Field Day at Andersen Field in Weno.
During his remarks, Ambassador Prahar asked the students to reflect on the crisis many of their grandparents faced during World War II.
