Mickey Kavera – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Lest We Forget, these are the words engraved on every headstone of fallen heroes lost during the two World Wars (WWI and WWII).
Papua New Guinea as a nation unites every year on 23 July to pay respect for its fallen heroes during the wars, as well as hose who died whilst on other missions of active service.
As the hours tick towards another dawn service to remember those who died serving this great nation, the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo has called on all serving members of the force to observe this day and reflect on their service to the nation.
“It is on occasion such as this, that individual soldiers must ask themselves, have I done enough for my country?
“Every soldier swore on oath to serve this nation, and they owe it to the people to diligently abide by the constitution to perform their mandated duty,” Toropo said.
Late Seargent, Ben Moide, was an iconic figure in Papua New Guinea. He was the last known Papua New Guinean soldier to fight alongside Australians on the Kokoda Track.
He passed away on 30 December, 2013.
It is soldiers like Moide that Toropo urges his men to emulate.
The dawn service tomorrow will be held at Taurama Barracks at 4am and the Ela Beach Memorial Park at 9am.
To Them We Owe Our Freedom, For Their Sacrifice, Lest We Forget.
