An American Monument in New Caledonia
Photo by Laurent Guiader, 2005."In honour of the US forces who by their presence during the Pacific War from March 1942 to February 1946 insured the freedom of New Caledonia. Her people are deeply grateful."
I have discovered that there is one place in the world where one does not have to be ashamed to be American. Here in New Caledonia, Americans still have a positive image, carried over from their treatment of the local population during the Second World War. They were the first to pay the Kanaks for their work and modelled equal treatment of African-American and caucasian soldiers during their stay on the island. Many New Caledonians also credit Americans with having saved their island from having been usurped by the Japanese...
Speaking of exemplary Americans, Happy Birthday Clydio!
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3 comments:
Please help!
I noted your encouragement to get ahold of Jo Ann Gagnon's "New Caledonia New Comer's Guide," and searched and searched for it online. Nothing on Amazon, and only found the 1997 edition available for download. Any suggestions on how to get ahold of/download a copy?
Thank you so much for any help you can provide!
Laura Brands
Hi, Laura,
You'll find a link to the guide at my post about the guide at http://southpacificsojourn.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-caledonia-newcomers-guide-2007.html. Please let me know if you need any further help.
Julie
I am never ashamed to be an American anywhere in this world. Especially true in countries who may not exist if they had not been defended by the United States. Memories are short and I understand that, but mine is not. Kudos to New Caledonia for their continued support of Americans in gratitude for what we did for them and the world.
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