10 Things to Do in Ulawa War Cemetery, Solomon Islands
The Ulawa War Cemetery in the Solomon Islands is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied servicemen during World War II. Located on the island of Ulawa, the cemetery is the final resting place for more than 300 Australian, British, and New Zealand servicemen who died in the Solomon Islands campaign. Here are 10 things to do in Ulawa War Cemetery.
1. Visit the Memorial Wall
The Ulawa War Cemetery is home to a memorial wall dedicated to the fallen servicemen. The wall is inscribed with the names of the soldiers who died in the Solomon Islands campaign and also includes a tribute to the “unknown soldier”.
2. Attend a Remembrance Service
Every year, the Ulawa War Cemetery hosts a remembrance service to honor the fallen servicemen. The service is attended by local dignitaries, veterans, and members of the public. The ceremony includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a minute of silence, and the playing of the Last Post.
3. Explore the Cemetery Grounds
The Ulawa War Cemetery is a peaceful and tranquil place to explore. The cemetery is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is home to a variety of native birds and animals. Visitors can also explore the cemetery’s many memorials, including a plaque dedicated to the Australian servicemen who died in the Solomon Islands campaign.
4. Learn About the History of the War
The Ulawa War Cemetery is a great place to learn about the history of the war in the Solomon Islands. The cemetery is home to a museum and library which contain a wealth of information about the campaign. Visitors can also view photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the war.
5. Visit the Gravesites
The Ulawa War Cemetery is home to more than 300 gravesites. Each gravesite is marked with a headstone which is inscribed with the name of the serviceman, their rank, and their unit. Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen servicemen by visiting the gravesites.
6. Take a Tour of the Cemetery
The Ulawa War Cemetery offers guided tours of the cemetery grounds. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide an insight into the history of the war and the sacrifices made by the servicemen.
7. Attend a Lecture
The Ulawa War Cemetery hosts regular lectures on topics related to the war in the Solomon Islands. The lectures are given by experts on the subject and provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the history of the war.
8. Visit the Museum
The Ulawa War Cemetery is home to a museum which contains a wealth of information about the war in the Solomon Islands. The museum contains photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the war. Visitors can also view a short film about the campaign.
9. Take a Hike
The Ulawa War Cemetery is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is home to a variety of native birds and animals. Visitors can take a hike around the cemetery grounds and explore the natural beauty of the island.
10. Learn About the Local Culture
The Ulawa War Cemetery is located in the Solomon Islands, a country which is home to a diverse culture and a rich history. Visitors to the cemetery can learn about the local culture by visiting the nearby villages and speaking with the locals.
The Ulawa War Cemetery is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied servicemen during World War II. The cemetery is a peaceful and tranquil place to explore and provides visitors with an insight into the history of the war in the Solomon Islands. Whether you’re attending a remembrance service, exploring the cemetery grounds, or learning about the local culture, there are plenty of things to do in Ulawa War Cemetery.