Anzac Day commemorations took place on April 25th with Dawn Services at the Bomana War Cemetery and other locations across Papua New Guinea.
Port Moresby Sub Branch members of the Returned and Services League of Australia joined staff of the Australian High Commission, Defence and Police Personnel from Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand to commemorate the day.
After the ceremony, Australian Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Anne Ruston, and Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr travelled to Isurava on the Kokoda Track to take part in an Anzac Day commemorative service and the opening of a new community museum and trade house at Efogi.
Lieutenant General Burr said spending Anzac Day in Papua New Guinea presented an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship that was forged on the Kokoda Track during the Second World War.
“Papua New Guinea has a special place in the hearts of Australians. We will never forget the bond forged between our people, both soldiers and civilians, under extreme hardship.
“The partnership between our two nations continues today. The Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force continue to work together to ensure the security of our region.”
Senator Ruston said on Anzac Day, Australia and New Zealand remembered those who fought and died during the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War. “We recognise the courage, mateship, skill, and perseverance of those who have served, fought and gave their lives.
“In Papua New Guinea, we remember the World War II campaigns when foreign troops landed on the shores of this country. Our people worked together to ensure they were repelled for our freedom and that of future generations.”
Senator Ruston said Anzac Day is a reminder of the historic and enduring friendship between Papua New Guinea and Australia. “We remember the Papua New Guineans and Australians who fought side by side along the Kokoda Track, in Rabaul, Milne Bay, Bougainville, Lae and the Oro beachheads.”
In Rabaul, commemorations were also held to remember the loss of Australia’s first submarine HMAS AE1. On 14 September 1914, the submarine with all personnel aboard was lost off the Duke of York Islands.
(Prime Minister Peter O’Neill with Australian Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Anne Ruston and Australian Shadow Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, after the dawn service at Bomana War Cemetery)