Coolidge Commemoration
A day to
remember
Eighty Years On
The 80th anniversary of the sinking of the SS President Coolidge was marked with a day that brought together community, history and no small amount of determination.
In the days leading up, uncertainty hung over proceedings as flooding at Bauerfield Airport threatened to prevent key guests from travelling to Santo. Meanwhile, across Luganville, support for the event gathered momentum — with donations, volunteers and a sold-out fundraising dinner all pointing to the importance of the occasion.
Relief came just hours before the commemoration began, as the charter flight carrying VIP guests finally received clearance to depart Port Vila. When it passed overhead, the sense of anticipation gave way to something far more meaningful — the day could begin.
Honouring The Fallen
The commemoration took place at the Elwood J Euart Memorial, just metres from where thousands of troops came ashore in October 1942.
It remains the most fitting place to honour Captain Elwood J. Euart and Fireman Robert Reid, the only men lost in the sinking. Euart’s final act — returning to the ship to rescue trapped soldiers before succumbing himself — stands as one of the most remarkable stories connected to the disaster.
By mid-morning, dignitaries including representatives from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Vanuatu had arrived, overcoming significant travel challenges to be present.
Following speeches and wreath laying, the ceremony moved to the shoreline — the same waters that hold the Coolidge today.
The Bell Returns
At the water’s edge, one of the most powerful moments of the day unfolded.
The ship’s bridge bell — recovered in the 1950s by Santo dive pioneer Reece Discombe — was unveiled for the first time in decades. Carefully transported from Port Vila for the occasion, the bell has remained in the Discombe family ever since its recovery.
With the crowd gathered in silence, it was rung twice — once for Captain Euart, and once for Robert Reid — before wreaths and flowers were laid on the water.
An Exhibition Realised
Back in Luganville, attention turned to the opening of the SS President Coolidge Exhibition — the Museum’s first major curated display since opening.
Supported by the Vanuatu Tourism Office, the exhibition was both ambitious and significant. It aimed not only to mark the anniversary, but to demonstrate what a museum in the South Pacific can achieve on the world stage.
With speeches from invited guests and Museum representatives, the ribbon was cut — but one final moment remained.
The Whistle Sounds Again
After months of restoration, the Coolidge’s port whistle was ready.
As compressed air surged through the system, the whistle sounded for the first time in 80 years — a deep, unmistakable note that carried across Luganville and beyond.
For many, it was the defining moment of the day.
With that, the exhibition officially opened, welcoming visitors into a collection shaped by the legacy of Allan Power and his lifelong dedication to the wreck.
Exploring Santo’s History
With formalities complete, attention turned to the water once again.
Free snorkelling tours to Million Dollar Point, hosted by Mayumi Green, offered visitors a chance to experience Santo’s wartime history firsthand — beneath the surface.
For many, it was a fitting continuation of the day’s story.
An Evening to close
The day concluded with a fundraising dinner at Hotel Santo, where more than 70 guests gathered in a newly completed nakamal.
With speeches, film presentations and a lively raffle, the evening raised valuable funds for the Museum and brought the community together once more — a fitting end to an extraordinary day.
With thanks
Events like this do not happen without the support of many.
We extend our sincere thanks to the representatives, organisations, sponsors and volunteers who contributed their time, resources and energy to make the day possible — and to everyone who attended and helped make it such a success.
Mr Chiba Hirohisa
Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu
Ms Heidi Bootle
Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu
Ms Nicola Simmonds
New Zealand High Commissioner to Vanuatu
Ms Penny Alexander
United States Peace Corps Director for Vanuatu
Mr Arthur Faerua
Director General of The Ministry of Justice and Community Services
Adela Issachar
CEO, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Lea Faccarello
Manager, Long Haul Markets, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Melissa Groundlin
Visitor Information Officer, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Paul Pio
Manager, Short Haul Markets, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Serah Ety
VTO Espiritu Santo Travel Centre, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Kersom Richard
Graphic & Creative Officer, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Greg Wilson
Chief Commercial Officer Air Vanuatu
Jennifer Watson
Marketing & Communications, Commercial Department Air Vanuatu
Millie Ogden
And the satellite techs at 3Link Communications
Janet Frouin
Christele Frouin
Discombe Family
Tony Lewis
The Estate of the late Allan Power
Captain Jara Simon
And flag bearers from the VMF
Yelena Isaak
Niva Studios Photography
Rosemary and Richard Lo
All the boys at Santo Hardware – you’re the best!
Lisa and Mary-Jane Dinh
And the staff at Hotel Santo
Tara Toone
And the staff at The Espiritu
Rick Wood
And the staff at Farmland
ProMedical Santo
Jayden Wood
Rommel Tugalon
Yves Lau
Mr and Mrs Lau
And LCY Garage
Paul White and Lyndell Fourro from Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge
Lisa and Brad Gray from Aore Island Resort
Esline Turner from Santo Seaside Villas
Steve and Wendy Turner
And everyone else who worked so hard to make the day such a wonderful success.