More than 2,000 people attended the 100th Anniversary Anzac Dawn Service held at the Coastwatchers Memorial and WW2 Memorial to those who served in the Australian Infrantry, the Coastwatchers, Navy RAAF.
In welcoming those that attended, Chief, Sir Peter Barter paid tribute to the PNG Servicemen who were either too old or had passed away for the contribution towards the freedom we enjoy in PNG today.
Whilst PNG was an innocent country, the advance of the Japanese on PNG soil involved a great deal of confusion, the loss of property and life and it was fitting that PNG commemorates Gallipoli, WW2 and even the conflict in Bougainville which illustrates the futility of wars but necessary to provide the free and democracy we enjoy in PNG.
Today, the Gilmore/McEvoy Clan from Australia who made the journey to Madang especially to attend the ANZAC service, The Australian Government is represented by Lt. Col. Stephen Blair his family, Maureen Hill represerting New Zealand and the Deputy Governor of Madang, Chief Sir Anold Amet and his Partner, Hitolo but most of all welcome the disciplined forces from the Police, PNG Maritime Collge, Nurses from Modilon Hospital, CIS who were inspected by Lt Col Blair prior to the service.
Madang continues to commemorate ANZAC and each year the numbers attending the service expands. He gave special thanks to the young people who need to carry on the spirit of ANZAC to future generations.
The Master of Ceremonies, Leo Berka, led the service that was organised by Fr Peter Hunter and other fraternal members of the churches in Madang. The United Church Choir sang Our God , our help in Ages Past and Abide with Me.
At the conclusion of the 90 minute service, Leo Berka thanked those that had contributed to the commemorative service, Sir Peter and the staff of the Madang Resort, the donors who had supplied food and equipment to make the event possible with special thanks to the Nurses, Police, Warders, students from the PNG Maritime College who formed the guard of honour.
A simple Gun Breakfast was provided to all that attended on the site of the Lighthouse whilst ex-servicemen were invited to a more formal breakfast at the Coastwatchers Motel.
Source: Melanesia Tourist Services Ltd www.mtspng.com
