Lipinski Leads Tribute to JFK, Missing Servicemen of Battle of Tarawa

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) and Chicago Ald. Jim Balcer (11th) will be joined by local veterans and relatives of those who perished at the Battle of Tarawa to commemorate the 70th anniversary of  the historic World War II battle and call attention to the need to recover and identify the Tarawa missing. More than 1,100 American lives were lost on the Pacific atoll in three days beginning Nov. 20, 1943. Tragically, the remains of more than 550 Americans were never recovered, including almost 40 from Illinois.

Tarawa, located halfway between Australia and Hawaii, was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Ald. Balcer, a decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, has fought to focus attention on the missing remains on Tarawa, showing leadership on the issue by introducing a resolution that passed the Chicago City Council. Rep. Lipinski prompted renewed interest in the recovery efforts by helping to author legislation requiring the federal government “to undertake all feasible efforts to recover, identify, and return” the men at Tarawa. A tribute will be held to remember President Kennedy and his heroic efforts in the Pacific as a naval officer in WWII.

Also, on the 50th anniversary of his death, there will be a service to honor a fellow WWII hero, President John F. Kennedy, who attended officer training in Chicago.

The service begins at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Bridgeport VFW Post 5079, at 3202 S. May St., Chicago.

Source: U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski