Tuesday, July 8, 2025
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result
Home Defence & Military News Defense Geopolitics News

A hidden gem of US-Australian military history

by Army News Service
July 10, 2019
in Defense Geopolitics News
2 min read
0
A hidden gem of US-Australian military history

The American flag prepares to be raised at St. Christopher's Chapel, Nerimbera, Queensland, Australia, July 7, 2019. St. Christopher's Chapel was built by American troops during World War II, it stands today as a monument to the century long partnership between the U.S. and Australia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert) (Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Tanner Lambert)

14
VIEWS

NERIMBERA, QUEENSLAND, Australia: In the small town of Nerimbera lies a hidden gem of American and Australian military history – St. Christopher’s Chapel. During World War II, American service members built St. Christopher’s Chapel using stones and bush timber found while camping in the surrounding area. Often used by locals, the pavilion like structure is surrounded by a stacked stone wall and is highlighted with an annual service on the Sunday nearest American Independence Day.

Members of the local community and Australian veterans gathered at St. Christopher’s Chapel on Sunday, July 7, 2019 to worship and fellowship with The United States and Australian participants of Exercise Talisman Sabre 19. The gathering was not only about spiritual worship, but also an opportunity for U.S. service members to celebrate Independence Day away from home.

“The uniqueness of this chapel is that it is the only chapel, outside of the United States, built by U.S. forces in existence,” says U.S. Army Maj. Edward Harris. “It is a great reminder of the relationship the U.S. and the Australians have, not only in our alliance, but in our continued spiritual connection with each other as two united countries.”

Harris, a chaplain, finds a unique connection with St. Christopher’s Chapel. As a child, Harris’ father was stationed in Canberra with the U.S. Air Force where he attended church services regularly. This time in Australia and the memories made here played a role in him joining the Army and becoming a chaplain.

“I am really excited to connect my past with the present and get a chance to participate in this bilateral exercise with Australian chaplains,” says Harris. “It is the legacy of those that have come before us that brings us here today to celebrate this great relationship.”

The crowd at St. Christopher’s featured multiple Australian veterans, many of which fought alongside U.S. service members in Vietnam. The camaraderie on display resonated with U.S. Army Lt. Col Stephen Miko, Talisman Sabre Army Forces chief of operations, who alluded to the century long partnership beginning on the Western Front of World War I at the Battle of Hamel.

“From that point Australians and Americans became perfect mates, after all we share similar values. Self-reliance, sacrifice and from time to time, a bit of irreverence,” says Miko. “It is all together fitting, that we should meet here today on the Sunday closest to the 4th of July, not simply in recognition of the American Independence Day, but more importantly, to recognize the spirit of Hamel.”

Americans have fought alongside Australians in every major conflict over the past century. St. Christopher’s stands as a tribute to the men and women who fought together – from the trenches at Hamel, to the jungles of Vietnam, and the streets in Afghanistan. This partnership has stood the test of time just as St. Christopher’s Chapel has weathered the storms and is a unique part of both countries’ illustrious history.

Tags: australiaaustralian militaryHistoryUS militaryWorld Military
Previous Post

Germany says no to US request for ground troops in Syria

Next Post

US Army Reserve small arms trainer course launched at Fort McCoy

Related Posts

Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

May 10, 2025

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan after days of deadly jet fighter,...

Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

May 10, 2025

Pakistan's military on Saturday said India launched another wave of missiles targeting three air bases -- including one on the...

Next Post
US Army Reserve small arms trainer course launched at Fort McCoy

US Army Reserve small arms trainer course launched at Fort McCoy

Latest Defense News

Britain, Germany jointly developing missiles: ministers

Britain, Germany jointly developing missiles: ministers

May 17, 2025
Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

May 10, 2025
Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

May 10, 2025
J-10C fighter jet

Pakistan says India has brought neighbours ‘closer to major conflict’

May 9, 2025
North Korea fires multiple suspected cruise missiles

North Korea fires flurry of short-range ballistic missiles

May 9, 2025
China says ‘closely watching’ Ukraine situation after Russian attack

China vows to stand with Russia in face of ‘hegemonic bullying’

May 9, 2025

Defense Forum Discussions

  • The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread
  • Australian Army Discussions and Updates
  • High Speed Train
  • Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • International Army News Thread
  • Russian Air Force News & Discussion
  • Turkish Naval Forces
  • Middle East Defence & Security
  • General Aviation Thread
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com