By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, an infantry battalion of the PNG Defence Force have honoured the Motuan people though the establishment of its Unit Motto. The motto ‘Abiauka-Oreana’, which in Motu means ‘brave and courageous’, was unveiled yesterday (May 29) by Garry Tauna, a representative of the Motuan people.
The motto is in appreciation of Motuans for the use of their traditional land as the base for the 1RPIR. The Unit Motto was unveiled with the Values each solider from 1RPIR are expected to honour. Commanding Officer of 1RPIR Lieutenant Colonel, Boniface Aruma, said the motto will remind soldiers of the values they stand for. Both the motto and valves were erected at the entrance of 1RPIR Base at Taurama Barracks, just outside Port Moresby.
The Motto was first launched on the 11th of March this year, by Chief of Force Preparation to commemorate the establishment of the infantry battalion.
The First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment has a unique history. It was established in 1951. Since then, members of 1RPIR have served the PNG Defence Force on numerous international missions. This includes the one in Vanuatu in 1980, the Bougainville Crisis in the late 1980s and in Solomon Islands in 2003.
Representing the Motuans, Garry Tauna, an announcer with Central FM says the Motuans will be proud to see soldiers from 1RPIR go out and conduct military duties under a Motuan Motto.
