Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, paid tribute to those who served in World War II and in other battles.
He spoke at the Remembrance Day commemoration today in the Nation’s Capital.
He said those servicemen demonstrated obedience and selflessness at the highest level without really knowing that their actions would be the reason why Papua New Guinea is the nation that it is today.
The 35th Remembrance Day Commemorative Memorial Service began with the traditional parade by members of the 3 disciplinary forces, ex-servicemen, St John Ambulance, Boy Scouts, Girl Guide and others.
Also present were representatives from the Diplomatic Corp. The theme for this year’s commemoration was “Our Servicemen Sacrifice is a Wish for Lasting Peace”.
In his keynote address, the Governor General said July 23rd is a unique day in Papua New Guinea’s history.
It was the day in 1942, the 35 men platoon of the Papua Infantry Battalion, for the first time fired on the advancing enemy forces at Awala village along the Kokoda. These were the first shots fired in defense of a country these men knew nothing about.
Master of Ceremonies and Chief of Protocol, Morea Veratau, also paid tribute to his father.
The Governor General led the way in wreath laying for the fallen heroes. He was followed by others. The memorial service ended with the Ode, recited by retired Brigadier General Robert Dademo.
