By Kevin Wilkins
On June 25, U.S. Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Ann Marie Yastishock, made a historic visit to the Vilu Military Museum—marking the first time a sitting U.S. Ambassador has toured the renowned open-air memorial site. The visit was warmly welcomed by Museum Director Caspar Diau, who oversees the museum originally founded and built by his father-in-law, Fred Kona.
Established in 1975, the Vilu Military Museum preserves the memory of the Guadalcanal Campaign of 1942–43 through an impressive collection of U.S. and Japanese aircraft, artillery, and wartime artifacts. It also serves as a solemn place of reflection, with numerous memorial plaques honoring the servicemembers from the United States and other Allied nations who gave their lives in the Solomon Islands during World War II. For more information about the museum, visit Pacific Wrecks at THIS LINK.
During her visit, Ambassador Yastishock presented Mr. Diau with a U.S. flag as a symbol of friendship and shared history. The flag will be flown at the museum’s entrance, alongside the Solomon Islands flag, as a tribute to the enduring bond between the two nations. “I want to thank the Embassy and the people of America,” said Mr. Diau following the presentation. “This flag reminds me of the heart of the American people and the historical events of the 1940s. The history of the sacrifices made here will never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful.”
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Diau added, “The legacy of these events is profound for us in the Solomon Islands. It is the foundation of the lasting peace and sovereignty we enjoy today. This museum helps remind us that we are stewards of our land, our seas, and our nation. We thank all Americans for their enduring support and remembrance.” After the passing of Fred Kona in 1994, Casper Diau assumed stewardship of the museum and has continued to preserve its mission of honoring the history and sacrifices that helped shape the modern Solomon Islands. Ambassador Yastishock’s visit stands as a milestone in strengthening the cultural and historical ties between the United States and the Solomon Islands.
