By DALCY LULUA
ACTING Acting Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Sir Gibuma Gibby Salika, has called on Papua New Guineans to honour the legacy of the nation’s Second World War heroes by building a peaceful, united and caring society.
Delivering the keynote address at the 45th National Remembrance Day ceremony at Ela Beach Memorial Park in Port Moresby, Sir Gibuma said the sacrifices made by the men of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and thousands of Papua New Guineans during the Second World War must never be forgotten.
Speaking under the theme, “Their Legacy, Our Inspiration,” Sir Gibuma said 23 July marks a significant day in the nation’s history, commemorating the first shots fired by the Papuan Infantry Battalion at Awala Village in Kokoda on 23 July 1942.
He said the soldiers demonstrated extraordinary courage, obedience and selflessness while carrying out their duty, despite knowing little about the wider conflict that had reached Papua New Guinea’s shores.
“Their involvement paved the way and is the reason we all stand here today as a country and a people,” Sir Gibuma said.
He reminded the nation that the Second World War was not Papua New Guinea’s war, but one that was brought to its shores, where some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific campaign were fought.
Sir Gibuma acknowledged the sacrifices of Papua New Guineans who served as soldiers, carriers and volunteers during the war, noting that many paid the ultimate price.
He said National Remembrance Day was more than a public holiday, describing it as an opportunity to remember the horrors of war and honour those who endured great hardship in defence of freedom.
“Our duty is to ensure that their sacrifice continues to be remembered and honoured, making their legacy truly become our inspiration,” he said.
The Acting Governor-General also urged young Papua New Guineans to embrace the lessons of history, stressing that conflicts should always be resolved through peaceful means based on mutual understanding, respect for national sovereignty and international law.
He acknowledged the strong friendships Papua New Guinea now shares with nations whose forces fought both alongside and against its people during the war, expressing gratitude for their continued support towards the country’s development.
Sir Gibuma further appealed to Papua New Guineans to uphold Christian and ethical values, strengthen national unity and work together to build a tolerant, diverse and caring nation worthy of the sacrifices made by the country’s war heroes.
Concluding his address, he urged all citizens to place country before self and continue striving for lasting peace and harmony.
The 45th National Remembrance Day was commemorated across Papua New Guinea on Thursday with ceremonies paying tribute to the nation’s wartime heroes under the theme “Their Legacy, Our Inspiration.”