Message from the Governor of Peleliu State
Peleliu Island is well known not only for sugary white sand beaches, and pristine coral reefs ideal for diving and fishing grounds. Rapidly becoming one of the favorite destinations for visitors to Palau, Peleliu stretches North and South. Our island is about eight (8) miles long and approximately three (3)miles at its widest point. Reachable by speedboat or plane, Peleliu is twenty-six (26) miles south-west of Koror and seven (7) miles north-east of Angaur.
There is another side to Peleliu, a history of two nations in conflict, and the birth of a new, independent nation. Once the heart of Japanese defenses in Palau during World War II, there are over 500 natural and man-made caves all over the island which were used by the Japanese military. During the Battle of Peleliu, over 12,000 Americans and Japanese perished in a period of three months. More than 2,200 tons of ammunition resulted in one of the fiercest campaigns of the entire Pacific war. Even today, war relics are still visible throughout the island.On September 15th, our nation will commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu, joining Japan and the US in their sorrow so that we will remember those who sacrificed themselves on that day, and for many years to come.
Jackson NgiraingasGovernor, Peleliu State
