Keep Guadalcanal's Henderson Field Airport Name

To: Government of the Solomon Islands

The Solomons Islands is forever linked to the history of WWII, and the
Pacific Theater. Guadalcanal's airfield, named "Henderson Field" in honor
of Major Lofton Henderson, a Marine squadron Commander who had been lost
during the battle of Midway. "Henderson Field" It is forever linked to the
airfield the Americans completed in August of 1942 and defended for the
duration of the Guadalcanal campaign. It was the target of Japanese land,
sea and air attacks through out the Guadalcanal campaign, and also a major
airbase and staging point for future operations in the Solomons.

The airfield is synonymous with sacrifice and was arguably one of the most
pivotal airfields in the entire Pacific Campaign, and possibly all of WWII,
as its fall would have compromised the shipping lanes to Australia, and was
vital as America's first offensive in the Pacific. And forever remembered
as a horrible battle of attrition that lasted six months, and is considered
one of the turning point battles of WWII.

The idea that the airport's name would be changed would dishonor both the
Allies who served there, and the Japanese who fought on the island, as it
would strip the historical heritage of this important name for future
generations of Solomon Islanders, and travelers who arrive and depart the
country.

A recommendation from a consulting firm has gone to the Prime Minister of
the Solomon Islands for a name change to Henderson Field in May, 2003. The
Prime Minister does not seem in favour of such a change. Show support for
his thoughts by endorsing this petition to show your support AGAINST
changing the name "Henderson Field", today, or anytime in the future.