Country remembers foreign heroes of World War 2
REFLECTING on the sacrifices of those fallen heroes was the order of the day on Friday July 23 when Governor General Sir Bob Dadae commemorated the 40th Remembrance Day which began in 1981.
“Commemorating this day every year and today (July 23, 2021) we mark Remembrance Day for a reason. And the theme for this year’s Remembrance Day; “Their Legacy, Our Inspiration” says it all.”
Sir Bob when honouring and remembering those who fought in the World War II and the civil war in Bougainville said, on this day we acknowledge those that have died in service to our beautiful country and reflect the sacrifices that ensured we enjoy the freedom of their legacy.
“These are the people who paved the way for Papua New Guineans to enjoy the peaceful and safe environment today.”
In his address, Sir Bob expressed his disappointment at the way our forefathers’ sacrifices were abused.
Sir Bob said, our country is at the crossroad between prosperity and disintegration since gaining self-governance in 1973 and independence without bloodshed in 1975.
He reiterated that since gaining independence and being a sovereign country recognized by the United Nations Assembly as the 143 member with 600 islands.
Sir Bob also said our country is facing the most challenging times in our political history in terms of pursuing autonomy for three provinces similar to that of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
He added that as per the constitution, take precedence without shortcuts.
Sir Bob strongly appealed to the national government not to entertain any idea of break-away by any provinces as this will lead to other provinces following suit, but allow only autonomy to provinces to administer their economy and financial affairs with close consultation and cooperation with the national government.
“In this way we will avoid any provinces from pushing for independence now and into the future.”
Sir Bob said the freedom we enjoy today is second to none however this sacrifice that our heroes sought has been abused by inconsiderate citizens whose minds are filled with criminal intentions.
Meanwhile, Chief of PNG Defence Force Major General Gilbert Toropo said in his Remembrance Day message that PNGDF will continue emulate the fine traditions and example of selfless bravery of PIB.
“For us, serving Defence Force Personnel, to be able to commemorate the deeds of our forebears, to stand proudly on their shoulders and continue the fine traditions and example of selfless bravery they did, is an honor and a privilege.
“The young men and women of Papua New Guinea Defence Force are fine inheritors of the legacy of the soldiers of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, as we now start to look to the Defence Force of the future, Force 2030 and Defence 50, we will continue to remember those who were the very first to fight as Papua New Guinea soldiers, continue to respect and revere their memory and their deeds of valor and make them proud of the Force they founded,” Major General Toropo said.
The Remembrance Day was observed by Members of the Diplomatic Services, Departmental Heads, Parliamentarians, Ex-Servicemen, Families of those fallen heroes and the only surviving member of the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) Retired Private Daure Kisu.
Retired Private Kisu recited the ODE which read: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”